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Sangakkara hopes for Pietersen England return

Kumar Sangakkara has called for England and Kevin Pietersen to "iron out their differences" and find a way for him to return to international cricket

Kumar Sangakkara has called for England and Kevin Pietersen to "iron out their differences" and find a way for him to return to international cricket - perhaps in time for this summer's Ashes series.
Sangakkara's comments might be regarded as a predictable show of support for Pietersen now that he has joined forces as a Surrey team-mate, a recognition of the value that a constructive relationship can bring to Surrey's season at the start of his two-year contract with the county.
But, in his years with Sri Lanka, Sangakkara has experienced the murkiest depths of cricketing politics and his view that the best team must be fielded - sometimes against the odds - is unlikely to have been expressed glibly. Sangakkara is not known for doing glib.
"It is not just an English media obsession," he said. "It is a case where you have a fantastic player and you have had some controversy and some strain in the relationship between him and the ECB. I think everyone is wishing - the spectators, I'm sure, want to watch KP out there in the middle.
"When you have a batsman of that ability I reckon even the side would like him there. It's not my call to make or my place to comment on it but at the end of the day I just hope that they iron out their differences."
Sangakkara still has vivid memories of Pietersen's exceptional hundred in searing heat in Colombo, an innings that sustained England on their last Sri Lanka tour.
"I know from playing against Kevin when he came to Sri Lanka the last time. Wiith England 1-0 down, the way Kevin Pietersen came into that last Test with that hundred was magnificent.
"He is an out-and-out matchwinner. I want to watch a matchwinner out there, I would want a matchwinner in my side so hopefully they can iron out their differences and Kevin Pietersen can come back and play."

David Hopps is the UK editor of ESPNcricinfo @davidkhopps