South Africa staying out of Kevin Pietersen saga

South Africa captain Graeme Smith has insisted that his squad are steering clear of the ongoing saga between Kevin Pietersen and the England cricket team.

Batsman Pietersen has been dropped from the final Test match between the two nations at Lord's later this week following revelations that he sent text messages to his friends in the South African squad which criticised some of his England teammates.

Despite apologising for his conduct, Pietersen has been told by England captain Andrew Strauss that he has a lot of work to do before he will be considered for recall.

Meanwhile, Strauss's opposite number Smith has revealed that his side a fully focused on the upcoming Test match, rather than getting dragged into the ongoing saga.

"It is between Kevin and the ECB and it is not for us to get involved," he told reporters. "We are committed to that stance, people are trying to say we have been involved, but our manager has made it clear throughout what has been going on.

"KP is a world class player who has proved that wherever he has played. No doubt he is a big loss, but obviously, there is a talent pool in English cricket, so whoever comes in we will respect in the same way we respect Kevin.

"Naturally, to lose a guy who has played 90 Tests is a change of dynamic."

Although he plays for England, Pietersen was actually born in South Africa.