Kevin Pietersen blasted by Australia coach Darren Lehmann for being an overpaid under-performer
Outspoken Lehman's comments come days after KP's attack on the country's governing body over player selection
KEVIN PIETERSEN has been attacked by Aussie coach Darren Lehmann for being an over-paid, under-performing whinger.
Just as Pietersen’s franchise Melbourne Stars were losing to Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash semi-final yesterday, Lehmann went on the attack.
Rarely one to mince his words, he tweeted: “Time for Stars to move KP on, spent to (sic) much money on him and didn’t win. Don’t want to listen to his excuses anymore.”
Pietersen has another year remaining on his two-year deal with the Stars which is believed to be worth £150,000-a-season. He also receives another £75,000 to promote the Big Bash.
It is unclear what prompted Lehmann’s outburst – although Pietersen has criticised Australian team selection while working as a TV commentator during the Big Bash.
Several players were made unavailable for the Stars after being called up for international duty by Lehmann, angering the former England star.
The batsman said it was "bitterly disappointing" that his teammates would be "sitting in a hotel room" instead of playing in the T20 tournament despite Australia not playing Pakistan until the next day.
Pietersen, who has been frozen out of international cricket after falling out with England bosses, signed a two-year extension to his Stars contract in 2016
Pietersen, 36, scored 268 runs at an average of 38 during the tournament although he managed just five as the Scorchers – whose side included ex-England players Ian Bell and Tim Bresnan – won by seven wickets.
They will play either Brisbane Heat or Sydney Sixers in the final in Perth on Sunday.
Alastair Cook has resumed training following a month off in the wake of England’s 4-0 Test series defeat in India.
No decision is expected on whether Cook stays as captain until next month at the earliest.