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Kevin Pietersen "disappointed" by England omission

Pietersen
© PA Photos
Kevin Pietersen breaks his silence to reveal his disappointment at missing out on a place in the England Test squad.

Kevin Pietersen has expressed his disappointment at his failure to regain his spot in the England Test squad for November's tour of India.

The batsman was dropped back in August following revelations that he had criticised teammates and former captain Andrew Strauss in text messages sent to some of his friends in the South African squad.

Talks had taken place between Pietersen and the ECB over recent days in a bid to find a resolution. However, following the announcement of today's squad, it appears that an agreement is still some way off.

Despite admitting that he was "naturally disappointed", Pietersen has gone to lengths to insist that he is still eager to return to the international fold.

"Kevin Pietersen is naturally disappointed about today's decision having gone to great lengths to reach a reconciliation with the ECB," read a statement.

"Pietersen has met with - and apologised to - Andrew Strauss. He has also met with Alastair Cook to stress his commitment to England and met with ECB board members, including face-to-face meetings with Hugh Morris, David Collier and Andy Flower.

"Pietersen remains available for England."

The statement also went on to stress that the 32-year-old denies any wrongdoing regarding the alleged text messages.

"At all times, Pietersen had wished his dealings with the ECB to remain private so as not to inflame an already difficult situation," it added.

"His recent silence was not an admission of any wrong-doing, he wanted to explain and apologise to the ECB for the messages exchanged with members of the South African team.

"He has also made absolutely clear both to the ECB and the England team that despite unsubstantiated allegations to the contrary and repeated media speculation, he did not offer any tactical advice to the South Africans."

Pietersen is currently in Sri Lanka, where he will commentate on the Twenty20 World Cup.

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