Not sure why Kevin Pietersen wants to retire from Test cricket: Mike Gatting

Former England skipper Mike Gatting is unsure about Kevin Pietersen’s decision to retire from Test but says it will be an opportunity for other players to grab his place.

"I'm not sure why he wants to quit Test cricket now. But that's up to KP," Gatting expressed.

“He's the man that makes the decisions, and nobody else.”



"He's done really well for England, and he proved that (again) at Headingley by playing a magnificent innings.

It'll be sad to lose him. But it will give somebody else a chance to come into the England team and prove their worth.”

“The fellow he batted with for a little while, Mr (James) Taylor, I'm sure he might like to play for England. So when somebody stands down, it gives somebody else another opportunity,” Gatting was quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

Gatting believes skipper Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower will know what is best for the English side.

"At the end of the day it's about the team, what goes on in the team, not about any one individual," he said.

"I'm sure Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss will look after the situation and they'll make sure that they do what's best for the team - because that's what it's all about.

"You need to be a team to get to number one in the world, so I'm sure that'll the main thing on their minds - to make sure they get the team right and they've got a great chance going into the Test match at Lord's,” Gatting concluded.