'Dumbfounded' Strauss says was 'let down' by Pietersen's 'derogatory texts' to Proteas

Former England captain Andrew Strauss has admitted that he had felt 'let down' by star batsman Kevin Pietersen, finally uncovering the stand-off with Pietersen that overshadowed his final days as an international cricketer.

Strauss retired in August 2012 following England's Test series loss to South Africa during which his 'generally good relations' with Pietersen deteoriated following Pietersen allegedly sending derogatory text messages about Strauss to the Proteas players.

According to Sport24, Strauss recalled that he was 'incredibly tired' and 'wallowing in a rising tide of sadness' after the texts became public, saying that he and many team members felt 'let down' by Pietersen as they believed that Pietersen 'crossed the line' and 'destabilised' and undermined the 'carefully cultivated team environment'.

Strauss further said that he and coach Andy Flower found himself in the midst of a PR/legal battle between the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pietersen, with both sides aiming to gain public support and to protect themselves in the event of litigation.

Stating that he did not want to end his career on that note, Strauss also revealed that he had felt 'dumbfounded' that he was criticised by Pietersen to the opposition, adding that Pietersen's texts gave South Africa a way to drive a wedge in the team.

However, Strauss, who said Pietersen had come round to his house to offer an apology in person, did not believe he had passed on tips to South Africa about how best to dismiss him.