Strauss says Pietersen's apology seemed 'contrite and sincere'

Former England captain Andrew Strauss reckons Kevin Pietersen's apology to him over the text messages seemed contrite and sincere.

Strauss told The Guardian that he felt uncomfortable about retiring without ending the Pietersen row.

"No, because of what happened with KP I felt guilty not sorting it before I left. I didn't want to leave it on [the team director] Andy Flower's plate and I felt uncomfortable with Cooky [Alastair Cook] having to deal with it as one of his first tasks. But that would have been the wrong reason for me to stay. I had to go."

Strauss felt Pietersen has to decide his own future.

"It would be fantastic if Kevin does recommit himself to English cricket at a greater level. But if, deep down, he still feels more loyalty to his IPL franchise then obviously it's going to be difficult for him."

The former opening batsman felt Pietersen alone cannot be blamed for everything.

"I don't think anyone got to the bottom of the text messaging saga. But Kevin has since come up to me and apologised for it and I respect that. He seemed contrite and I think he was sincere.

"Looking back I think it was wrong some of our players were following that [spoof KP Genius] Twitter account. But I still don't think it's a justification for what Kevin did," Strauss added.