Star batsman Kevin Pietersen was today left out of the 16—member England squad for the Test tour of India following the bitter text message scandal involving his national team-mates, leaving his international career in jeopardy.

Pietersen was embroiled in a bitter controversy after revelation that he sent text messages to members of the South African touring squad containing derogatory remarks about then England captain Andrew Strauss.

Pietersen was subsequently dropped for the final Test against South Africa. He was also left out of the England squad of the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka despite making himself available for all forms of cricket.

Last week Pietersen was not handed a central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), a clear indication that problems still exists.

Talks are, however, going on between Pietersen and the ECB although the batsman is currently in Sri Lanka working as a TV pundit during the World Twenty20.

In order to clear the air, he also had talks with coach Andy Flower and captain Alastair Cook - mediated by the Professional Cricketers’ Association - but apparently the ECB might have thought that there was no point in including the batsman for the India tour since his relationship with senior team members has deteriorated to an unhealthy level.

The four—match Test series against India starts on November 15 in Ahmedabad, followed by subsequent matches at Mumbai, Kolkata and Nagpur.

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