England

Pietersen taunts Prior on Twitter

ESPN staff

February 28, 2014

Matt Prior, pictured in happier times with Kevin Pietersen, did not hold back on his comments about his former team-mate © Getty Images

Enlarge

Kevin Pietersen has reacted to Matt Prior's criticism of him by suggesting the wicketkeeper should concentrate on his own position in the England team rather than take part in Q&A sessions.

Prior told reporters at a cricketing event in Dubai that the England dressing room will be a better place without Pietersen after the batsman was released from his ECB contract earlier in the month following the woeful display in the 5-0 Ashes demolition to Australia.

Pietersen has not taken lightly to the comments, and responded by hinting that Prior could lose his spot in the England team to Jos Buttler.

Fewer Q&A's, more Sussex nets methinks, @MattPrior13! #josbuttler
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) February 28, 2014

Prior, who had a public falling-out with Pietersen after the celebrity journalist Piers Morgan tweeted comments allegedly made by Prior in a private team meeting, admitted that Pietersen's talent should have made him "the best England cricketer to ever walk this planet"

But, when asked in Dubai whether the dressing room would be a better place without Pietersen, Prior replied "yes, it will" and went on to question the batsman's commitment to team success.

"I think one of the biggest things the ECB want to rediscover is the value of playing cricket for England. The honour and the pride you need to show as an England cricketer.

"And they only want people in that dressing room that are going to be passionate about England winning and performing."