KP issues ECB apology

Kevin Pietersen has reportedly apologised to the ECB for texts sent to opposition players, as criticism of his actions continues.

The 32-year-old has been dropped for the third and final Test against South Africa for failing to reveal the content of messages sent to a couple of South African players, which may have been derogatory to captain Andrew Strauss.
The latest incident followed his decision to retire from one-day cricket back in May and then hint after the second Test at Headingley that the final clash with Graeme Smith's men at Lord's could well be his last five-day match for his adopted nation.
Words have been spoken between Pietersen and a few of the England players and it is obvious that all is not well within the squad as a few of his team-mates have dropped hints that they are not exactly upset that he has been left out of the side to play in north London.
Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan both commented on the situation on Tuesday and made it clear that they backed the ECB's decision to leave England's best batsman out of the side this week, while Strauss has also gone public for the first time on the issue.
Whether or not the text messages were, as reported, directed towards the captain is still not clear but Strauss, who will play his 100th Test and skipper the side for the 50th time at headquarters this week, admitted he has been shocked at the way the story has developed.
"I've always got on with Kevin," he told Sky Sports. "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 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."