Pietersen 'disappointed' at exclusion

Kevin Pietersen's management has issued a statement expressing his disappointment at his exclusion from the England squad for the Test tour of India.

Pietersen was not considered by the England selectors following the revelation that he had exchanged messages with members of the South Africa touring party that contained derogatory remarks about Andrew Strauss and after it became clear that Pietersen's relationship with other members of the England side had deteriorated to an unhealthy level.

While Pietersen and officials at the ECB have been in dialogue in recent times, the managing director of England cricket, Hugh Morris, said "as there are issues still to be resolved Kevin has not been considered for selection for the India tour."

The statement revealed that Pietersen had apologised in person to Strauss and officials at the ECB, while also reaffirming his commitment to playing international cricket for England.

However Pietersen also insisted that, contrary to some reports, he had at no stage exchanged "tactical advice" with anyone in the South Africa camp about any colleagues in the England team.

"Kevin Pietersen is very disappointed about today's decision having gone to great lengths to reach a reconciliation with the ECB," the statement read. "Pietersen has met with and apologised to Andrew Strauss.

"He has also met with Alastair Cook to stress his commitment to England and he has met with ECB Board members including face to face meetings with Hugh Morris, David Collier and Andy Flower prior to his departure to Sri Lanka.

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

"His recent silence was not an admission of any wrong doing. He wanted to explain and apologise to the ECB for the messages exchanged with members of the South Africa team.

"He has also made it absolutely clear 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. Pietersen remains available for England."