Cook influential in Pietersen exit

England captain Alastair Cook played an influential role in the decision to end Kevin Pietersen's international career. Cook was part of a three-man panel who met the batsman on Monday and told him of their decision. Although some members of the England dressing room have no issues with Pietersen, the BBC has learned that Cook felt the 33-year-old's departure was in the best interests of the team. Pietersen scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47 in 104 Tests for England.