Allan Donald: England's Kevin Pietersen decision "sad"

Former South Africa fast bowler and now bowling coach Allan Donald has expressed his disappointment at England's decision to axe Kevin Pietersen from the upcoming limited-overs tours.

The England and Wales Cricket Board opted not to select Pietersen for the Caribbean tour and the ICC World Twenty20, which has effectively ended his international cricket career.

Donald said that Pietersen is the sort of player that makes the England squad stronger and it will be "sad" that the 33-year-old is no longer a part of the international stage.

"I'd rather have a Kevin Pietersen in my side any and every day," he told Sky Sports News. "I still believe there are players out there of great great quality that are a little bit abrasive.

"We always go upstream, but they are the guys who somehow make the game very special and it's sad to see. I must say it will be very sad to see him not play for England because I still think he has got loads to offer especially at the 2015 World Cup."

The ECB announced the squad for both tours yesterday.