Rift with Moores not healthy, says Pietersen

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - The rift between England captain Kevin Pietersen and head coach Peter Moores is "unhealthy" and must be resolved as soon as possible, Pietersen was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Pietersen told the News of the World that he wanted the issue sorted out before England arrive in the West Indies for a four-test tour later this month.

The pair's fractious relationship since Pietersen took over the captaincy in August has come to a head in recent days and a poor series of results since Moores became coach nearly two years ago have not helped the situation.

Pietersen, who has held talks with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Hugh Morris, said: "This situation is not healthy, we have to make sure it is settled as soon as possible and certainly before we fly off to the West Indies.

"Everything has to be hunky dory, everybody has to have the same aims and pull in the same direction for the good of the England team."

On Saturday Moores refused to comment on the row, telling The Sun: "I hope you understand that I can't really comment at this stage. I think I will take a rain-check on that." He also said "no comment" when asked if he could work with Pietersen in the future.

Former England captain David Gower said he believed that Pietersen will win the power struggle, telling BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek: "It's a bit of a mess but I've got a feeling Kevin Pietersen will get his way.

"When Pietersen was appointed captain he asked Moores to stay in the background and organise nets while he got on the with the job of organising the team.