The former batsman, in Australia commenting on the Ashes for BT Sport, believes Cook’s body language has been poor and his returns worse with just 62 runs in four innings.

And while he maintained the former captain has the resilience to turn things around in Perth, he warned that even great players have a shelf life.

“It looks to me like Cook is not very interested. Just the way that he’s got out, the manner of his dismissals and also the way he’s walked off the field once he’s got out,” said Pietersen.

“That’s the sign of a bloke who goes, ‘You know what? Maybe my time is up.’ He’s a wonderful player and has been for England for a hell of a long time.

“This will be his 150th Test match, so you never know. But that fire burns in your belly for a number of years and then eventually it starts to go out.

He added: “I had spotted it before the series and there’s certainly no signs at the moment to prove there’s any fire in Cook’s belly.”

Pietersen also believes England’s batsmen are running scared of the Australia pace attack but with no good reason.

“There’s no one in this England side at the moment that doesn’t look scared. And that’s my issue, that’s the concern,” he said.  

“One or two balls have been 150 kph per hour but it looks like the England batters are making out that this Australian bowling attack in their head is some of the fastest they’ve ever faced.

“It looks like they’re just very nervous when they go out to bat and it’s frustrating. I want to see somebody try to get on top of the Australian bowlers.”