Lehmann took a shot at Pietersen after he was dismissed for five in the Stars’ semi-final loss to Perth on Tuesday night.

“Time for stars to move KP on. Spent too much money on him and didn't win. Don't want to listen to his excuses anymore," Lehmann wrote on Twitter.   

Hussey defended the former English batsman in a measured assault on the national coach.

“I was pretty disappointed with Darren, for a person I revere and was probably one of my idols growing up watching him play, it was pretty disrespectful,” Hussey told SEN’s The Run Home.

“First and foremost he’s the Australian head coach and he doesn’t know what goes on in and out of the Melbourne Stars, and what Kevin Pietersen brings to the table on and off the field.

“It was pretty disrespectful and I’m pretty disappointed in Darren’s comments.”

Hussey said Pietersen was an unbelievable mentoring and marketing tool for the franchise.

“First and foremost I find it highly disrespectful…because KP is in the six highest leading run scorers in the BBL competition this year, and the best BBL for the Melbourne Stars over the past couple of years,” he said.

“What he actually does on the field and off the field to the other players in the squad is absolutely phenomenal.

“What he’s actually doing is upskilling and fast-tracking our younger players in order to achieve their dreams.”

Pietersen was at times critical of Cricket Australia during his stints as a Big Bash commentator.

He took swipes at Australia’s selection policy and the fact they scheduled one-day matches on the same days as the BBL.