Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Pietersen holding England cricket to ransom says former skipper

Updated at 5:58 pm on 8 August 2012

Batsman Kevin Pietersen is holding England cricket to ransom by threatening to quit the test arena, says former captain Bob Willis.

The South African-born Pietersen caused a shock at the end of the drawn second test against South Africa on Monday by saying he'd announce whether he was standing down after the third and final match against the tourists later this month.

Willis says Pietersen's got his nose out of joint by not being included in England's initial squad of 30 to prepare for the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September.

Willis says Pietersen wants to play fully in the Indian Premier League which clashes with England's home series against New Zealand next May so he can earn his $3 million and is holding England to ransom in the process.

Pietersen announced his retirement from all one-day internationals in May but a month later said he still hoped to play in the Twenty20 World Cup.

However the 32 year maintains it's not about the money but there are other issues that need to be resolved.

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