Reaction to KP Being Dropped

The ECB have given reaction to the news that they are dropping Kevin Pietersen for the final test match of the summer against South Africa at Lord's, a decision that will send shockwaves through the England Cricket Team....

Pietersen it appears has been left out over the 'texting' row which is still out in the open. It is alleged that pietersen sent text messages to a couple of South African players, with not favourable comments about coach Andy Flower or Captain Andrew Strauss.

Managing director of England Cricket, Hugh Morris, told the media on Sunday: "During the past week we have held several discussions with Kevin Pietersen and his advisors. Following a constructive meeting it was agreed that a number of actions needed to be completed to re-engage Kevin within the England dressing room."

"A fundamental item was to confirm publicly that no derogatory texts had been sent by Kevin to the South African team. This has not been forthcoming despite clear timelines being set to allow the Selectors to pick the squad for the third Investec Test match. We provided an additional six hours this morning to provide every opportunity for agreement to be reached but regrettably this has not been possible."

"The success of the England team has been built on a unity of purpose and trust. Whilst we have made every attempt to find a solution to enable Kevin to be selected we have sadly had to conclude that, in the best interest of the team, he will miss the Lord's Test." Morris Concluded.

Jonathan Agnew, BBC cricket correspondent said "[The decision] shows how disenfranchised Pietersen is within the set-up and how aggrieved the [ECB] are over his comments about team spirit and even more so about reports he sent text messages to South African players during the Headingley Test."

England Squad v South Africa at Lord's : Andrew Strauss (C), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, James Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Graham Onions