ECB apologises for Kevin Pietersen criticism

The England and Wales Cricket Board have apologised to former England batsman Kevin Pietersen after the board's managing director criticised his attitude during the winter Ashes tour.

Paul Downton told BBC Test Match Special earlier this week that the 33-year-old seemed "disinterested" and "distracted" during the final Test in Sydney earlier this year.

An ECB statement said: "Paul Downton and the ECB both apologise to Kevin Pietersen for those comments."

Pietersen was sacked from the England team following the tour.