Strauss: I feel let down by Pietersen
Andrew Strauss refused to be drawn on what the future holds for Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen can say goodbye to his chances of being picked by England for the defence of their ICC World Twenty20 crown.
The South Africa-born batsman was dropped for the must-win Lord's Test against his native country for failing to apologise for texts sent to opposition players during the drawn match at Headingley.
The England and Wales Cricket Board have been concerned as to the content of those messages and whether they were derogatory about Pietersen's team-mates or captain Andrew Strauss. England's preparations for a must-win match against South Africa have thus been compromised.
Strauss inevitably found himself responding to the latest developments in the Pietersen controversy on the eve of his 100th Test on his home ground. In his captain's press conference, he admitted to feeling "let down" by Pietersen.
His caution was also notable as he described an apology sent by Pietersen's agent via lawyers to the ECB last night as the "first step" in a situation where time will have to be part of the healing process to try to ensure lost trust is rebuilt.
Pietersen, who is thought to be abroad after being ruled unavailable for Surrey, can be left in little doubt that he is on the outside of the England team and faces a long road back - one that will not be trodden before England must confirm their final 15 to the International Cricket Council on Saturday to travel to Sri Lanka for the World Twenty20.
"I feel a little bit let down by Kevin, if I'm honest," said Strauss. "But this isn't an issue between me and Kevin. It's a broader issue than that and it's very important that I act in the best interests of England cricket team.
"It's not a personal thing. I've always got on very well with Kevin, which is why some of the stuff has been quite surprising to me."
If the 32-year-old Pietersen is to return for his adopted country at any point, it seems his first acknowledgement of apparent contrition may have begun the process but nothing more.
"It's a step forward, it's a step in the right direction," said Strauss. "But this issue hasn't just been about the text messages. There's been a bit more of a broader issue about trust and mutual respect, and that issue I'm very keen to resolve. It's not going to be resolved overnight."
related stories on msn
Have to say well done Strauss, you have been put in a difficult situation and you have handaled the situation very well and i have nothing but respect for you as a player but also as a captain, That why we are the best in the world in forms of cricket.
And i agree with everything that you have said, and yes K P will have to earn respect from the team first before he's aloud back in the team, I think he's upset a lot of people in the team and that's not good for team Moral.
But K P is a great player and will be miss on thursday for the last test, but the team comes first.
Pietersen cares only about two things. His wallet and himself. There is no doubting the mans talent with a cricket bat he is one of the worlds best. Is it just me that notices sometimes he looks to have that I can't be bothered look about him when playing ? (playing for country at cricket is a privilage not a right)
He is not a team player and if he wants to be back in the side i would make him appologies in the middle of the pitch in front of all the fans and his team mates. We would then see how much of a big man he is.
Its catch 22 really because England could really do with him just a shame he thinks he is bigger than the team
So, peterson is selfish, greedy, self centred and wealthy, this obviously makes him a sportsman.
I dont think he`s unique is he? All he`s guilty of is hurting a few egoe`s and its obvious that mardy arse
Straus is just that (mardy). If he and other members of the team aren`t as good as him they should get on with improving their game or jack it in.
