Lehmann sparks controversy with Pietersen comments

With Pietersen failing to help the Stars into the final, Australia coach Lehmann appeared to suggest he should be given the axe, though it is unclear if his comments were meant in jest.

Melbourne Stars' Kevin Pietersen reacts after being dismissed against Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.

Darren Lehmann sparked controversy on Tuesday when he appeared to question Kevin Pietersen's value to Melbourne Stars during its Big Bash League elimination.

Pietersen is the Stars' leading run scorer this season with 268 but only made five in its seven-wicket semifinal defeat to Perth Scorchers, before complaining of a slow pitch.

The former England international struggled against the sensational Mitchell Johnson, who finished with figures of 3-3 from his four overs, Pietersen eventually sending a frustrated chip straight to Michael Klinger at midwicket 

It was the fifth time Melbourne have lost in six semifinal appearances in the competition. With Pietersen failing to help the Stars into the final, Australia coach Lehmann appeared to suggest he should be given the axe, though it is unclear if his comments were meant in jest.

"Time for the starts [sic] to move KP on, spent to [sic] much money on him and didn't win. Don't want to listen to his excuses anymore," Lehmann wrote on Twitter .