Pietersen hopes for New Zealand tour

Kevin Pietersen has said he hopes his exile from international cricket will be over by the time England tour New Zealand early next year.

Pietersen was left out of the squad to tour India, having initially been dropped for the final Test against South Africa at Lord's. On Thursday, England's new Test captain Alastair Cook, confirmed that talks remain ongoing between the board and the batsman, while Pietersen is working for TV in Sri Lanka during the World Twenty20.

Then, on Friday, in a conversation with New Zealand rugby player Dan Carter over Twitter, Pietersen said: "Hoping all's sorted and I'm on the NZ tour in Feb."

Before England arrive in New Zealand in mid-February, they have a five-match ODI series in India during January, although Pietersen's message would appear to suggest he does not hold out great hopes of making that tour after Christmas. It has been reported that representatives from Big Bash League franchises are heading to Sri Lanka to discuss deals with Pietersen. The BBL takes place in December and January.

After the Test squad was announced on Tuesday, Pietersen's management company released a statement saying he was "disappointed" not to have been included, after believing he had done everything asked of him to help sort out the situation which blew up after he sent "provocative" texts to South African players during the Test series.

Andrew Strauss, who retired following the defeat against South Africa, confirmed that Pietersen had personally apologised to him and that their relationship was now repaired, although added he was now on the outside of the ongoing discussions.

"It was good that we spoke and got a few things out in the open," Strauss told BBC Radio 5 Live during the PCA awards in London. "We've always been good friends. It was an awkward time this summer for all sorts of people.

"I will have no problems meeting up with Kevin and having a beer with him, definitely. We've been through a lot together, we've had huge shared experiences, and nothing changes in that respect."