ECB to release Kevin Pietersen statement

The England and Wales Cricket Board will reportedly release a statement on Sunday clarifying the reasons behind Kevin Pietersen's international axe.

The South Africa-born batsman was told last week that his England career was over, but no public explanation for his enforced retirement has yet been given.

A compensation package has been agreed for the termination of Pietersen's central contract, and now that it has been settled, it is believed that the ECB will reveal more specifics about his ousting.

Captain Alastair Cook, who came under fire following the 5-0 Ashes whitewash to Australia, has been given the full support of England managing director Paul Downton, who wants to rebuild the side with a major emphasis on team ethics and therefore does not see a place for Pietersen in the setup.

Pietersen scored 8181 runs at an average of 47.28 during his 104 Test matches for England.