Kevin Pietersen disappointed at India Test tour snub

Left out of the England squad for the Test tour of India, star batsman Kevin Pietersen today expressed disappointment at the snub and said he had gone to "great lengths" to broker peace following the text message scandal that threatened his international career.

He, however, reiterated his desire to play international cricket again.

Pietersen was dropped last month for sending "provocative" text messages to the visiting South African players which allegedly criticised Strauss and reportedly gave advice on how to get him out.

The South Africa-born star was axed for the final Test against South Africa, the subsequent ODI series, the current World Twenty20 and now the forthcoming tour to India.

Pietersen met with Struass, who has since retired from all cricket, new England captain Alastair Cook, coach Andy Flower and members of the team hierarchy in a bid to resolve the issue and win back his place in the squad. But all in vain.

A statement issued on behalf of the 32-year-old, just after his axing from the India tour squad, claimed he had apologised to ex-England captain Andrew Strauss and also met new skipper Alastair Cook.

"Kevin Pietersen is naturally disappointed about today's

decision having gone to great lengths to reach a reconciliation with the ECB," the statement said.

"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," it said.

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

The statement also denied that Pietersen had offered tactical advice to the South Africans.

"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," said Pietersen.

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