(Adds Pietersen statement)
* Conciliatory interview fails to sway ECB
* Pietersen “gutted” to be dropped
* Bairstow replaces Pietersen for final test
Aug 12 (Reuters) – Controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen
said he was “gutted” after being dropped on Sunday 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 on Monday.
“To say I am gutted is an understatement,” Pietersen said in
a statement to Sky Sports on Sunday.
“This entire episode has been demoralising for me and my
family. But, this is not the end of my international career.”
Continued…
