Kevin Pietersen expressed sadness over the end of his international career on Wednesday and said that he was “incredibly overwhelmed” by the support he had received.
Pietersen, who posted a picture on Instagram of him leaving the field after his final Test match against Australia in Sydney during England’s recent 5-0 Ashes defeat, wrote: “So sad that this will now be the last time I leave a field in an England shirt.
“Incredibly overwhelmed by the support overnight! Thank you so much. I love England and I honestly hope they have every success in the future.”
“Playing cricket for my country has been an honour. Although I am obviously very sad the incredible journey has come to an end, I’m also hugely proud of what we, as a team, have achieved over the past nine years,” Pietersen said in a joint statement with the ECB.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have played at a time of great success for England cricket alongside some of the best cricketers the country has ever produced. I want to thank everyone for their fantastic support and I wish the team the very best of success going forward.
“I believe I have a great deal still to give as a cricketer. I will continue to play but deeply regret that it won’t be for England,” he added.