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