Strauss has say on Pietersen affair

Kevin Pietersen might have reportedly apologised over derogatory texts he is alleged to have sent about England team-mates during the Headingley Test but that did not stop Andrew Strauss from being aghast he has "aired dirty laundry in public".

Pietersen was said on Tuesday night to have apologised to the England and Wales Cricket Board, but there was still no confirmation from them that the batsman had acceded to their request to either deny the existence of the texts or say sorry for them.

Strauss is shocked by Pietersen's behaviour, as the wrangle over his England and Wales Cricket Board contract has escalated into a full-blown crisis. The England captain told Sky Sports: "I've always got on with Kevin. I've tried to be honest with him; he's been honest with me. That's why this has all been a bit of a surprise to me."

He added: "I think the discontent that Kevin had with the board over his contract situation was one that the players didn't get involved in - and I didn't really get involved in, if I'm honest.

"But over the last week I have had to get involved, because there have been issues a little bit more central to his relationship with the other players and our ability to perform out in the middle."

Strauss' England must beat South Africa at Lord's to preserve their world number one Test status. Pietersen was dropped for the match on Sunday, having failed to either publicly deny or apologise for texts he reportedly sent to the opposition during the drawn Leeds Test - which, it is further alleged, contain derogatory remarks about his own team.

Points of principle are at stake for Strauss, and coach Andy Flower, who have formed a successful management axis in an era of notable success for England. "Firstly, I'm a big believer in not airing dirty laundry in public," he added. "It's one of our core values in our team that what goes on in the dressing room stays in the dressing room."

Broad, meanwhile, earlier denied any responsibility for the Twitter account which sent up Pietersen's personality. Richard Bailey, a friend of Broad's, admitted on Monday he was behind the feed - which was closed down last week, after it became clear its humorous intent was instead causing offence and aggravation.

Pietersen is thought to have been concerned especially that some of his team-mates, including Broad, were following the spoof account - and might even have some input in it.

Broad said: "Following last night's statement by Mr Richard Bailey that he was responsible for creating a parody Twitter account in Kevin Pietersen's name, I would like to confirm that I had no involvement in this whatsoever."