London: The England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to exclude maverick batsman Kevin Pietersen from selection has benefitted the team, director of cricket Andrew Strauss has told BBC.
England’s record run-scorer in all formats, Pietersen was sacked after a 5-0 whitewash in the 2013-14 Ashes series and was told in May by former captain Strauss that he would not be considered for an international recall.
The team has simply “moved on”, said Strauss, who had a frosty relationship with the fellow South Africa-born Pietersen.
“The danger at that time was that particular issue would overshadow everything that happened on the pitch over the course of the summer,” Strauss said.
“What I was trying to do was provide clarity going forward so everyone knew where they stood.
“I think the team has moved on and the team is in a pretty good place. Some of those young guys have established themselves and that’s what we will be focusing on taking England forward,” he added. England won the Ashes 3-2 but trail 2-0 in the five-match one-day series.
Pietersen, meanwhile, is returning to his former team in South Africa. The Durban-based Dolphins, where Pietersen first played before leaving for England, announced the batsman as their new signing for the upcoming domestic Twenty20 competition.
Pietersen, who was present for the announcement in Johannesburg, will return to South Africa late next month ahead of the competition.
Former England batsman Vikram Solanki, meanwhile, announced his retirement from cricket on Monday. The 39-year-old played in 51 One-day Internationals and three Twenty20 internationals for England between 2000 and 2007.
Solanki, formerly of Worcestershire but now with Surrey, said: “Whilst the realisation that my playing days are coming to an end is naturally difficult to come to terms with, the decision to retire is one that I have had some time to think about.
“I have been very fortunate to have played for two wonderful clubs as well as for England, and would like to thank everyone that has played a part in my career for their help and support over the years.”
Solanki scored over 18,000 first-class runs. His England spell included two hundreds and two appearances at the 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa.
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said: “Speaking on behalf of the Surrey dressing room, I would like to thank Vik for the massive contribution he has made and the positive impact he has had on everyone throughout his time here.
“On a personal note I would like to congratulate him on an outstanding career and wish him all the very best in whatever may follow,” the former England wicket-keeper/batsman added.
