Cook was the ‘scapegoat’ over KP saga

ALASTAIR COOK has accused the ECB of making him a scapegoat for the sacking of Kevin Pietersen that led to a bitter civil war within English cricket.

The former England skipper has revealed that even though he agreed with the controversial decision to cast Pietersen aside in the aftermath of the 5-0 Ashes thrashing in 2013-14, he should not have had to carry the can.

‘I don’t think the decision was wrong but the fallout wasn’t great for English cricket and people could have handled it differently,’ says Cook in an interview to be broadcast by Sky Sports during today’s final Test against India.

‘As an England captain, you are involved in decisions but you don’t make them. They are made above your head and I did feel a bit of a scapegoat in that one situation. It was a tough six to eight months.

‘I will be forever associated with it because I was captain but to say I was the only person to make that call is wrong. The day it changed was when Andrew Strauss took over (as director of cricket) and said it was his decision (to continue the exile of Pietersen) and that’s probably what should have been said at the time.’

Cook, who announced his international retirement after England sealed their series victory over India at the Ageas Bowl, also revealed he was prepared to offer Pietersen an olive branch.

‘I did say: “Why don’t we give KP some time off and maybe he can come back later on”,’ said Cook. ‘Paul Downton (then England managing director) wanted clarity, a clean break, because everybody would always be asking when he would be coming back.

‘You had to back his decision because that’s what his job was.

‘I would refute anyone saying I was the one who chucked KP down the stairs but I was involved in the decision and I believed it was right at the time.

‘What could have happened a year later, I don’t know, but I can honestly say all the decisions I made were in the best interests of the England team at that time.

‘It was just I felt I was being left alone as the captain.’

Cook has not spoken to Pietersen since but did not rule out burying the hatchet. ‘I guess time is a great healer,’ said Cook.

‘We spent a lot of time together and created some amazing memories. The thing is, we never actually fell out. Since then the internet has fallen out for us. He will have a different opinion, I’m sure.’

Watch Alastair Cook’s interview on Sky Sports Cricket today.