KP triple ton in vain as Strauss says England door is shut for now

The crucial phrase from Graves, however, was: “If he does that and then comes out and scores a lot of runs they can’t ignore him I would have thought but that is up to him.”

But ignore Pietersen they have done, and Strauss’ decision has gone totally against that of the ECB chairman. Certainly the batsman though he’d done enough, and spoke after his highest ever hit.

“All I’ve been asked to do by the chairman elect is get a county and to score runs and I’ve done both and I do believe I’m good enough to play for England,” he said. “All I can do is score runs. That’s it.

“It’s an interesting time and what more can I do? I was told to find a county. I was told to score runs. I think I’m scoring runs. I’ve always said since my knee was sorted that, if my knee was good, I’m going to play well.

“I played well in the Big Bash. I gave up a contract in India. I’m not playing for any money here. I’m dedicated to getting back my England place. I want my England place and I think I deserve my England place.”

Strauss and Pietersen were known to be friends whilst England teammates, winning the Ashes together; however, following the text-gate incident in 2012 in a series with South Africa the duo fell out.

Current England director of cricket Strauss will have another tough decision to make soon too, as he will need to replace departed head coach Peter Moores.

For the time being, though, assistant Paul Farbrace will take over the reins for the two-match Test with New Zealand and his side are 13/8 to win the series.

Strauss also confirmed that Alastair Cook will remain as Test captain for the Ashes (England are 3/1 for victory), while Yorkshire youngster Joe Root will be his vice.