Former South Africa captain Clive Rice has accused the England cricket team of making Kevin Pietersen "a scapegoat" for their failing in The Ashes.
Recent reports have claimed that coach Andy Flower had told that ECB that he would only continue in his role in the wake of the 5-0 whitewash by Australia if Pietersen was dropped, although he has since moved to play down that speculation.
"I said to him when the tour was taking place that he needs to make sure he performs because he will be made a scapegoat if England lose the series," BBC Sport quotes Rice as saying.
"Certainly my predictions to him are coming true right now because they are looking for an excuse for the losses and I think you can't kick out your best player because of that."
Pietersen has recently expressed his desire to play for England in the 2015 home Ashes.
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