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Pietersen 'still available for England'

Kevin Pietersen still finds himself out of favour with the England team © AFP

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Kevin Pietersen has insisted that he remains available for England despite being left out of the squad for the upcoming tour of India.

Pietersen has not played for England since being dropped during the Test series with South Africa amid revelations that he had sent text messages to members of the Proteas squad mocking the then-captain, Andrew Strauss.

While Pietersen denied allegations that he had sent the opposition tactical advice relating to Strauss, who has subsequently retired, the episode exposed the deterioration of his relationship with the England team.

After being left out of the World Twenty20 squad heading to Sri Lanka to defend their crown despite backtracking on his decision to retire from the short forms of the international game, the ECB's decision to omit him from the tour of India is the latest blow to his hopes of reviving his career on the world stage.

Pietersen's management group expressed his disappointment that he had failed to reach a reconciliation with the ECB shortly after the squad was announced.

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

"He's also met with Alastair Cook to stress his commitment to England and met with ECB board members - including face-to-face meetings with [managing director of England cricket] Hugh Morris, [chief executive] David Collier and [team director] Andy Flower prior to his departure to Sri Lanka.

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

"His recent silence was not an admission of any wrongdoing - he wanted to explain and apologise to the ECB for the messages exchanged with members of the South African team.

"He's also made absolutely clear to the ECB and the England team that, despite the unsubstantiated allegatrions to the contrary and repeated media speculation, he did not offer any tactical advice to the South Africans.

"Pietersen remains available for England."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.