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England selector James Whittaker: 'Kevin Pietersen isn't part of our plans'

National selector James Whitaker reiterates that Kevin Pietersen is not part of England's plans going forward despite the batsman angling for an international return.

National selector James Whitaker has reiterated that Kevin Pietersen is not part of England's plans going forward.

Pietersen, controversially axed after the Ashes whitewash of 2013-14, has been angling for a recall since incoming England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves seemed to open the door for his return earlier this month.

The 34-year-old batsman has insisted that he will "do anything" to regain his place in the international side and seems poised to play county cricket for Surrey this summer in a bid to improve his chances.

However, speaking after the announcement of the Test squad to tour West Indies in April and May, which did not include Pietersen, Whittaker has suggested that England have moved on indefinitely.

He told BBC Sport: "We haven't had discussions at all about Kevin. I know Colin very well, he is entitled to his opinion, but Kevin isn't part of our plans.

"We've been developing our team for a year in Test match cricket. We've had some good conversations about what happened after the end of Australia.

"We've produced some good middle-order players with Gary Ballance, Joe Root and Ian Bell continuing to perform well, so we are happy with where we are in the middle order."

England captain Alastair Cook has also admitted that a Pietersen comeback is "very unlikely".

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England's Alastair Cook walks off the field after losing his wicket during day 5 of the 3rd Ashes Test on August 5, 2013
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