On this day in 2012 – Kevin Pietersen omitted from England squad for India tour

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Kevin Pietersen was controversially left out of the England squad to tour India on this day in 2012.

Pietersen had entered a “reconciliation period” with the England and Wales Cricket Board after being dropped in August for sending “provocative” text messages to South Africa players.

A statement issued on behalf of the 32-year-old said he had apologised to former England captain Andrew Strauss and also met with new skipper Alastair Cook.

Cricket – The Ashes 2013-14 – Third Test – Day One – Australia v England – WACA
Kevin Pietersen had been dropped by England for sending “provocative” text messages to South Africa players (Anthony Devlin/PA)

“At all times, Pietersen had wished his dealings with the ECB to remain private so as not to inflame an already difficult situation,” the statement read.

“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 has also made absolutely clear both to the ECB and the England team that despite unsubstantiated allegations to the contrary and repeated media speculation, he did not offer any tactical advice to the South Africans.

“Kevin Pietersen is naturally disappointed about today’s decision having gone to great lengths to reach a reconciliation with the ECB.

Cricket – 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup – England v India – Chinnaswamy Stadium
England captain Andrew Strauss received an apology from Kevin Pietersen over text messages sent to South African players (Rebecca Naden/PA)

“Pietersen has met with – and apologised to – Andrew Strauss. He has also met with Alastair Cook to stress his commitment to England and met with ECB board members, including face-to-face meetings with Hugh Morris, David Collier and Andy Flower. Pietersen remains available for England.”

National selector Geoff Miller said he had informed Pietersen of his omission, and that the Surrey batsman would remain unavailable until the dispute with the ECB was settled.

Miller said: “Pietersen is one of the best players in the world, so it is disappointing, but it’s not just about an individual in a changing room. I’m not prepared to pick one of the best players if it creates a problem.

“Until these issues have been resolved then nothing can happen.”

Pietersen was added to the squad on October 18 after meeting with Cook, coach Andy Flower and other senior players.

England won the four-match Test series 2-1, their first victory in India since the 1984–85 tour under David Gower’s captaincy.

Pietersen scored 338 runs at an average of 48.28, with a top score of 186 in the second Test win at Mumbai.

His Test career came to an end after the 2013-14 Ashes Tour of Australia – in 104 matches for England he scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28 with 23 hundreds – and he announced his retirement from the game in 2018.

Kevin Pietersen

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