Alec Stewart reveals Kevin Pietersen apology

Former England captain Alec Stewart has claimed that Kevin Pietersen has apologised to the ECB.

Pietersen's reported refusal to publicly say sorry for allegedly sending derogatory texts to South African players about captain Andrew Strauss was the reason for the batsman's omission from the squad for the third Test against the Proteas.

Stewart, who is executive director at Pietersen's county side Surrey, has now revealed that the 32-year-old is awaiting a reply from the ECB.

"I'm hearing he's now apologised but hasn't had any confirmation back from the ECB," Stewart told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Jonny Bairstow has replaced Pietersen for the final Test in the series, beginning on Thursday.