Graham Thorpe's criticism is sour grapes, claims Kevin Pietersen
16/07/2010
Kevin Pietersen has struck back at claims that he is no longer England's most important player in matches watched by fans with ODI tickets
Former England great Graham Thorpe - who retired from the national side after losing his place to Pietersen back in 2005 - claimed in a column for Yahoo! Sport the South Africa-born batsman is failing to make the most of his talent.
"For some inexplicable reason he is not utilising it and converting it into runs," Thorpe remarked.
However, KP argued the criticism has more to do with sour grapes than his ability to perform with the bat in front of fans with ODI tickets
Speaking to Sport.co.uk, he said: "He's probably been wanting to say that since I took his place.
"It's not constructive and there is probably no point saying it."
Despite Thorpe's comments, Pietersen still averages 42.17 with the bat in the 50-over form of the game.
Posted by Ted Walker