Pietersen loss 'could be an opportunity'

Mike Gatting does not want to see Kevin Pietersen retire from international cricket but believes it could present an opportunity to another player.

Pietersen hinted next week's final match against South Africa could be his last Test after making clear last night his dissatisfaction with many aspects of his employment by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

A sensational innings of 149 in the second Investec Test at Headingley has given Pietersen, who announced his retirement from limited overs cricket in June, legitimate reason to think he is a key cog for England as they attempt to remain the best five-day side in the world.

Former captain Gatting is unsure of Pietersen's motivations for voicing his concerns in the middle of a Test series but is of the opinion the 32-year-old is not irreplaceable.

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

"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."

Gatting, who won 79 caps with England, also believes the issue should not cloud the team's focus.

But the 55-year-old is confident captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower will act in the best interests of the side as England attempt to cling on to their number one status with a series-levelling victory at Lord's next week.

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