England will demand that Kevin Pietersen tells the truth and reveals the full extent of his criticism of Andrew Strauss in his “provocative” texts to South African players before they will consider allowing him back.
The ECB are far from impressed with Pietersen’s apology, which came via an email from his agent and lawyer on Tuesday night, and want a complete and honest explanation before they forgive the batsman and let him resume his international career.
The bottom line is that they want to know precisely what was in the texts – and Daily Mail understands they would not be happy if they knew.
It emerged during a dramatic day at Lord’s that Pietersen’s England future is still very much in doubt, with captain Strauss saying he felt “let down” by his teammate, even though the exiled superstar took what he thought was the crucial step towards rehabilitation by finally saying sorry.
“The apology is a first step but there is a lot more to investigate in all this,” said Strauss. “This is about trust and respect and it’s not going to be resolved overnight.”
England had told Pietersen he had to apologise this week if he was to have any chance of playing in the World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka next month but the apology did not go far enough. Indeed, his comeback seemed as far away as ever on Wednesday when Strauss refused to say whether he thought Pietersen would play for his adopted country again.
“I feel a little bit let down because I’ve always got on well with Kevin and all this is a bit surprising to me,” said Strauss, who on Thursday became the ninth Englishman to make 100 Test appearances when he leads his side into their must-win final match against South Africa at Lord’s. “If we are going to resolve it, it needs to be face to face, away from the media spotlight, PR companies and press releases. We can’t sweep this under the carpet.”
That was a reference to Pietersen stopping short of admitting the infamous texts to ‘close friends’ in the South African dressing room were derogatory towards Strauss, and his questionable decision to engage in a public relations exercise rather than talking openly and properly with Strauss, Andy Flower and Hugh Morris.
Strauss added: “It’s been hanging over us since Kevin’s press conference after Headingley and there was a certain amount of relief when we met up on Monday that a decision had been made and we could concentrate on the Test.
“The decision to leave him out here was brave and correct because his position in this Test was untenable.”
Graeme Smith, making a record 94th Test appearance as captain, said Pietersen had chosen an “interesting” word in describing the texts as provocative. “Kevin has relationships with people on our side he has played with, grown up with,” said Smith. “Maybe he invited them for dinner, I don’t know.”
Clearly there is a need for more talks between Pietersen and the ECB but they will have to wait, not only because of the decisive Test that begins today but also because Pietersen has reportedly gone on holiday to Portugal. That means the chances of him being named in the World Twenty20 squad on Saturday are minimal. – Daily Mail