David Fulton has expressed his belief that the England and Wales Cricket Board's treatment of Kevin Pietersen has made a martyr out of the controversial batsman.

The ECB released a statement earlier today that cited a 'lack of trust' as the reason behind ending Pietersen's glittering international career following the disastrous recent Ashes series in Australia.

"There remain unanswered questions and it's incredibly frustrating. Statements are all very well but what we want is Alastair Cook, Paul Downton and Giles Clarke in front of the media so they can be asked questions and we can hear what they have to say," Fulton told Sky Sports News.

"The ECB has martyred Pietersen. His popularity has never been as great and by issuing statements it does look like to some extent like he has been scapegoated. But Andy Flower, Alastair Cook, Ashley Giles and Paul Downton are good men and they want to win cricket matches with England. They don't let someone of the class of Pietersen go without a good reason.

"I think the implication in a lack of trust is questioning whether Kevin Pietersen is leaking things. In a good team environment you can say what you like and point fingers and then you go forwards together. There's a collective responsibility. If trust exists, good teams can argue. I think Cook is in a no-win situation. I am sure he is desperate to speak on the matter."

Pietersen scored a total of 8181 runs during his 104 test matches for England.