Pietersen could be a 'major problem' for England

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John Buchanan, the former Australia coach who has accepted a consulting role with the ECB, has said Kevin Pietersen could prove a "major problem" for England during the Ashes in Australia later in the year if he doesn't regain his form. He pointed to Pietersen's recent outburst on Twitter, following his omission from England's Twenty20 squad against Pakistan, and said it did not help the team's unity.

"[Pietersen] is a quality player and he could be an incredible strength for them but, if he's not scoring runs, he could become a major problem for the batting line-up and the entire team. Andy Flower has been trying to work on that," Buchanan told the Wisden Cricketer.

Pietersen averaged 27.25 in four innings against Pakistan during the summer, and has gone for 26 innings without a century. He represented the Dolphins franchise in South Africa most recently, playing first-class cricket in preparation for the Ashes. That stint was preceded by an outburst on Twitter following his exclusion from England's Twenty20 side, for which he was fined and subsequently apologised.

"Pietersen hasn't done himself or the team any favours with his recent Twittering," Buchanan said. "Two of the things that will be tested in Australia are strength and unity and clearly he hasn't understood his role within the team yet."