Pietersen exile sad: Morgan
Kevin Pietersen's exile from the England team is a sad thing for cricket, according to his former international teammate Eoin Morgan.
The release of Pietersen's book earlier this month appears to have slammed the door shut on any chance the 34-year-old had of returning to the England side after he singled out a number of his former teammates and coach Andy Flower for strident criticism.
Morgan will joint Pietersen in this summer's Big Bash League after he signed on with the Sydney Thunder on Monday.
Pietersen will play for the Melbourne Stars.
But Morgan said it was difficult to believe Pietersen will probably never play at the elite level again.
"I think it is unbelievable in a way, because certainly he could still be playing cricket for England quite easily," Morgan, who has played 16 Tests and 100 ODIs for England, told AAP on Monday.
"It is sad in a way to think that probably the best cricketer I have ever played with is not playing (internationally) any more.
"A guy I have had huge respect for, for a very long time and learnt a huge amount from isn't playing probably as much as he should be.
"But it is tournaments like the Big Bash that will benefit from that and I think everybody will see a different side to Kevin than they normally would.
"Because everybody sees him in an Ashes series trying to fight against Australia whereas he will be on somebody's side now.
"I think you will see a very relaxed side to Kevin."
Morgan said Pietersen is sure to have an impact in Australia.
"Kevin playing any from of cricket, regardless of what it is at the moment, is good for cricket in general," Morgan said.
"He is an ultimate professional; he tests himself regardless of what standard of cricket he is playing and I think it will be great for the tournament if or when he comes off."
Morgan, who joins the Thunder for the second successive season, will use the tournament as invaluable experience to acclimatise for the 2015 Cricket World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand beginning in February.
Morgan will be a key player for England as they seek to claim the trophy for the first time.
The 28-year-old expects Alastair Cook to lead the side despite his ongoing struggles with the bat.
"Absolutely, Cookie has been our captain now for a long time, he has had a bit of a dry spell but given the calibre of cricketer he is, he will come out the other side of it," Morgan said.
