By CricketCountry Staff
The South African team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee published a statement a day later after Kevin Pietersen was axed from the England team for the final Test at Lord’s against the visitors.
Published: Aug 13, 2012, 08:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 13, 2012, 08:01 PM (IST)
South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said that the ECB has not made a formal approach to him or any member of the team to see the text messages as is currently being reported in the media © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
London: Aug 13, 2012
The South African team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee published a statement a day later after Kevin Pietersen was axed from the England team for the final Test at Lord’s against the visitors.
The statement is related to the issue revolving Pietersen sending text messages to cricketers AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, commenting about Andrew Strauss and his team-mates.
“There have been untruthful allegations in the media implicating members of our squad in the current issue between Kevin Pietersen and the ECB. We stand by the same stance we have taken since we heard news about the allegations,” the statement released on Cricket South Africa website read.
“Text messages were sent, but like we said before it was banter amongst team mates, which we feel is perfectly acceptable.
The ECB has not made a formal approach to myself (Dr Mohammed Moosajee) or any member of the team to see the text messages as is currently being reported in the media,” Moosajee clarified.
“Allegations that Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers were the recipients of the texts are unfounded, and until such time that the allegations are met with the correct facts and evidence, we shall not comment.”
An inquiry was launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) into the issue.
“This internal issue between Kevin Pietersen and the ECB has been publicised for weeks even before we even arrived in the UK, and we do not want to get ourselves involved in an issue that has nothing to do with us.”
“This is the last time that management or the players will comment on the issue and our focus moving on is the team’s preparation and how we plan to go about winning the next Test match at Lord’s,” he concluded.
Photo Gallery: Kevin Pietersen retirement row in pictures
