(Reuters) – Controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen said he was “gutted” after being dropped yesterday from the England squad for the third and final test against South Africa amid speculation of dressing room tensions with his team mates.
Pietersen was left out because he failed to confirm he did not send derogatory text messages about team mates to the opposition, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.
The future of Pietersen, who hit a stunning century in the drawn second test at Headingley, had been under a cloud since he raised the possibility of quitting England with comments at the conclusion of the match today. “To say I am gutted is an understatement,” Pietersen said in a statement to Sky Sports yesterday. “This entire episode has been demoralising for me and my family. But, this is not the end of my international career.”
He had also been at odds with the ECB since quitting limited-overs internationals in May and over suggestions of his desire to play the whole Indian Premier League season with the Delhi Daredevils instead of two home test matches against New Zealand next May.
“During the past week we have held several discussions with Kevin Pietersen and his advisors,” said ECB managing director Hugh Morris in a statement.
“Following a constructive meeting, it was agreed that a number of actions needed to be completed to re-engage Kevin within the England dressing room.
