Image courtesy of: Zimbio

“You were looking for some heads to roll and, for some reason, Kevin Pietersen’s head was in the way”

Legendary West Indies batsman Sir Vivian Richards has announced that England made batsman Kevin Pietersen their “scapegoat” following the national team’s disastrous tour of Australia.

As a result of that tour, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to terminate Pietersen’s central contract.

“You were looking for some heads to roll and, for some reason, Kevin Pietersen’s head was in the way,” Richards told BBC Radio Five. “He’ll have been disappointed with the series in Australia, but overall I think he’s been a good servant to English cricket.

“At times, and just judging from my side of the fence, it looks like you’re looking for some little scapegoat, and he was made one.”

Meanwhile, Richards also noted that he saw a lot of potential in England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler following his outstanding knock of 99 against the West Indies in the third ODI in Antigua.

“He’s one of my favourites,” Richards said. “He’s one of the finest finishers in world cricket. He looks a class act.”