'I have always got on with Kevin, that's why it has come as a surprise'

England captain Andrew Strauss said Kevin Pietersen's falling out with the ECB was a surprise after the batsman was dropped for sending South Africa players text messages allegedly criticising his team mates and staff.

England captain Andrew Strauss said Kevin Pietersen's falling out with the ECB was a surprise after the batsman was dropped for sending South Africa players text messages allegedly criticising his team mates and staff.

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"I've always got on with Kevin," said Strauss after Pietersen was excluded from the squad for the third and final test against the Proteas starting at Lord's on Thursday. "I've tried to be honest with him; he's been honest with me".

"That's why this has all been a bit of a surprise to me.

"I think the discontent that Kevin had with the (England and Wales Cricket) Board over his contract situation was one that the players didn't get involved in - and I didn't really get involved in, if I'm honest.

"But over the last week I have had to get involved, because there have been issues a little bit more central to his relationship with the other players and our ability to perform out in the middle."

Pietersen had intimated after the second test that he intended to retire altogether from international cricket, only to issue a statement via a staged YouTube interview insisting he was still committed to playing for England.