* England captain taken aback by Pietersen fall out
* Batsman has apologised, says Surrey’s Stewart
* South Africa’s Kallis says he will be missed
(Adds Strauss, Stewart quotes)
By Matt Barker
LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) – England captain Andrew Strauss
said Kevin Pietersen’s falling out with the ECB was a surprise
after the batsman was dropped for sending South Africa players
text messages allegedly criticising his team mates and staff.
“I’ve always got on with Kevin,” Strauss told Sky Sports
after Pietersen was excluded from the squad for the third and
final test against the Proteas starting at Lord’s on Thursday.
“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.
“I think the discontent that Kevin had with the (England and
Wales Cricket) 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.”
Continued…
