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KP insists he still has a lot to give

Pietersen is disappointed but insists he is still a great batsman © Getty Images

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Kevin Pietersen has left England with a hint of the defiance which characterised his time with the team, saying "I believe I have a great deal still to give".

The batsman was jettisoned on Tuesday night after a meeting of England Test and one-day captain Alastair Cook, limited-overs coach Ashley Giles, Paul Downton, the new managing director of England cricket, and James Whitaker, the national selector.

The ECB decided not to consider Pietersen for selection for the forthcoming tour of the Caribbean and subsequent World Twenty20, signalling the beginning of a new era for the England team.

Some reports suggest that Pietersen had a furious row with Cook towards the end of England's recent poor tour to Australia and he appears to hope he can make them regret their decision by proving that he has not lost the talent which made him so valuable.

"I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer," he said. "I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won't be for England."

Pietersen made it clear after England's Ashes debacle in Australia that he wanted to continue playing for the team and help the country regain the urn next year, when they look to put the 5-0 Test whitewash behind them.

The stages on which he can display his skills, though, will be limited for the time being to his appearances in county cricket and in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The IPL auction takes place next week and England decision to discard Pietersen is likely to make him a more valuable signing and earn him considerably more than he would have expected had he still been contracted to the national team.

In a statement released by the ECB, Pietersen added: "Playing cricket for my country has been an honour. Every time I pulled on the England shirt was a moment of huge pride for me and that is something that will live with me forever.

"Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I'm also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years.

"I feel extremely fortunate to have played at a time of great success for England cricket alongside some of the best cricketers the country has ever produced."

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