KP's exclusion: 'English cricket the laughing stock again!'

Kevin Pietersen is not the only one trying to work out why he is unwanted by England's cricket selectors.

Sarcastic Pietersen gets cheeky about England future

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England's fiercest rivals, Australia, are also puzzled by his omission and somewhat bemused by the saga as they prepare for this year's Ashes series.

Pietersen was told by new England cricket director Andrew Strauss that he is not in his plans for the Ashes even though he scored a career-best 355 not out for Surrey this week.

Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris remains unconvinced that South African-born Pietersen will play no part in the Ashes.

“I know that Strauss and him probably don’t get on, (but) I’m not going to believe it until we get over there and they pick their squad,” Harris told Cricket Australia's website.

“He’s just peeled off a triple-hundred. If he keeps going on and playing for Surrey, he may quit now, but if he keeps going and scoring hundred after hundred there’s going to be a lot of pressure to pick him.

“Although it has been said by the new cricket director, I’m not going to believe it until we play five Tests and Kevin Pietersen doesn’t play.

"If he keeps scoring runs the way he is it’s going to be very hard not to pick him.”

The support for Pietersen was overwhelming, with Kumar Sangakkara being forthright, tweeting: "I don't trust @KP24 enough for him to play for England but I trust him enough to advise me on ODI cricket."

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith wrote, “I see the head boy is making English cricket the laughing stock again!”

Australia paceman Peter Siddle, currently playing county cricket in England, could not believe Pietersen was being kept out but said the Australians are happy not to have to play against him.

“A bloke that averages 50 in Test cricket I’m happy enough to have out of the side," Siddle told British media. “Get somebody in who averages less. I’m happy to see him gone.”

Former England footballer Gary Lineker said, “I see Mr Strauss has allowed personal grievance to influence his decisions. Seems extraordinarily petty and immature. Doesn't bode well.”