Pietersen Dropped From Final Africa Test

London: England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been dropped for the final test against South Africa starting on Thursday over allegations he sent derogatory texts to the rival team, a statement said on Sunday.

Pietersen had previously hinted the Lord's test could be his final match for England but issued an apology on Saturday which said he wanted to commit to all forms of the game with England.

KP, 32, hinted after the second Test that he was contemplating retirement from the five-day game, and suggested the Lord's Test next week may be his last for England.

But he will not play in that game after a series of meetings with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials.

Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow has been named in the squad.

England squad for Lord's Test vs South Africa

Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Jonathan Trott
Ian Bell
James Taylor
Jonny Bairstow
Matt Prior
Tim Bresnan
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Steven Finn
Graham Onions

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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