Exiled England star Kevin Pietersen has called for Alastair Cook to resign as captain of his country’s one-day side after being thrashed by Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Hosts Sri Lanka outplayed woeful England by eight wickets in the second one-day international in Colombo on Saturday to take a 2-0 lead in the seven-match series.
Unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis grabbed 3-33 as England were skittled for 185 in 43 overs after electing to bat in a match reduced to 45-overs-a-side because of bad weather.
The veteran duo of Kumar Sangakkara (67 not out) and Mahela Jayawardene (77 not out) then put on 149 for the unbroken third wicket as Sri Lanka romped home with 10.4 overs to spare at the Premadasa stadium.
Pietersen was dropped from the squad by the England and Wales Cricket board in February and the controversial batsman subsequently released an autobiography claiming the England dressing room had been beset by a bullying culture.
The 34-year-old’s personal relationship with former teammate Cook has also been strained and reportedly broke down during last year’s disastrous Ashes tour.
In the wake of England’s latest loss, former England skipper Pietersen took to Twitter to express his concern over Cook’s captaincy, while demanding Alex Hales is elevated to an opening batsman’s position.
He tweeted: “Dear Alastair, if you care about England’s chances this winter, pls resign and just concentrate on Test cricket…#getHalesin”
Nottinghamshire player Hales was dropped as Cook’s opening partner and replaced by Moeen Ali, who made only two runs on Saturday.
Cook managed only 22 runs before being bowled by Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Sri Lanka had won the first game by 25 runs at the same venue on Wednesday. The third match will be played in Hambantota on December 3.
Both teams wore black arm-bands and observed a minute’s silence before the start to mourn Australian batsman Phil Hughes, who died in Sydney on Thursday of head injuries sustained by a rising ball.
Bats and caps were displayed outside the dressing rooms as a mark of respect and flags flew at half-mast over the stadium.
A disappointed Cook admitted his side were outplayed in the match, but vowed to bounce back in the series.
“We thought it was a good toss to win but I’m not sure it (decision to bat) was the right choice,” he said. “Sri Lanka totally outplayed us in all departments today.
“We assessed the pitch wrong but it’s about how you play and Sri Lanka put us under pressure with the ball.
“It’s been a tough few days. We have had no practice time due to the weather. But it will be good to get out of Colombo and have a fresh start. We’ve got some good players and we can bounce back.”
