Kevin Pietersen stays away from landmark Test team

The second-innings collapse against India in the first session on Friday explained their sensitivity at being part of the ceremony. But it could have been even worse for the current England players, plus former off-spinner Graeme Swann, who was also voted into the landmark Test team.

For the public chose Kevin Pietersen, arch rival of Cook and Swann, to bat at No 4. And the many wounds from the ECB’s incendiary battle with KP since he was banished from the team after the Ashes whitewash in 2014 are still not healed. 

KP was invited to Edgbaston to be introduced to the crowd as part of the best ever Test XI alongside his England enemies. However, KP, who is understood to be at his safari lodge in South Africa, working on his ‘Save the Rhino’ campaign, did not even reply to the ECB invite. 

Pietersen, who is believed to have been paid £10,000 for doing a batting masterclass session for Sky last season, has taken to calling on social media for more cricket coverage on terrestrial TV. Critics say that came after KP failed to secure a permanent role on Sky.  Also missing from Friday’s parade was Sir Ian Botham who was not at Edgbaston because Sky chose to leave him out of their commentary team.