Kevin Pietersen an out-and-out match winner: Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara and Kevin Pietersen batted together for Surrey in the County Championship

Sri Lankan run machine Kumar Sangakkara said that he enjoyed batting with Kevin Pietersen on his debut for Surrey and believes that the England team needs him back at the top level of cricket.

“The presence of KP is very important. When he walks out into the middle, his confidence and aura create immediate pressure on the bowling,” said Sangakkara.

“You have a fantastic player but there has been some controversy and strain in the relationship between him and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).”

Hope they iron out differences: Sangakkara

Speaking on the importance of having KP in the England side, he said: “I think the spectators want to watch KP in the middle and, when you have a batsman of that stature and ability, I reckon even the side would like him there.”

“It’s not my call to make but I just hope they iron out their differences. He’s an out-and-out match winner,” the 37-year old added.

Sangakkara is playing alongside Pietersen at Surrey in the County Championship. On the first day of the season-opener against Glamorgan on Sunday, they batted together for 37 minutes. Pietersen got out after scoring a 28-ball 19, but Sangakkara, who is making his first-class debut for Surrey, continued his good run of form from the World Cup with a 230-ball 149.

Pietersen hopes that a successful stint with Surrey can lead to a comeback into the England side.