There is 'a massive trust issue' with Kevin Pietersen, claims Andrew Strauss

KP’s England future looks bleak

England director of Cricket Andrew Strauss has claimed that there is ‘a massive trust issue’ with Kevin Pietersen and hence an international recall is ‘not in the short-term interests of the team’. Strauss spoke to Sky Sports this afternoon about the saga which has engulfed the cricketing world especially after KP’s triple ton last night in the County Championship.

There were already reports last night that Strauss would personally deliver the message to the maverick batsman with whom he doesn’t enjoy a good relationship after the text-gate saga in 2012.

"Now is the time for some really honest and open conversation about Kevin Pieteren. No one has ever doubted his ability as a batsman or as a cricket player. Over the months and years the trust has eroded it is not in the best short-term interests of the side for Kevein Pietersen to be in the team this summer but he is not banned from the side,” Straus said.

“At the moment we are quite estranged. This is not about Kevin Pietersen it is about the future of English cricket. My job is to develop a side that is capable of winning matches over the next four years," he added.

It was also revealed that Alaister Cook would continue to lead the Test side against Australia for the upcoming Ashes with Joe Root as his deputy. Eoin Morgan, meanwhile, will remain the limited overs captain.