London, Aug 13 : Kevin Pietersen's international career is almost over unless he is willing to accept or tell that he did not send texts allegedly about his teammates to two South African players.

The England team management was reportedly angry with Pietersen after it emerged that he had sent text messages to members of the South Africa team during the second Test at Headingley.

The text messages, reportedly sent to fast bowler Dale Steyn and wicketkeeper AB de Villiers, contained "less than flattering comments" about Strauss and his teammates.

Pietersen, who has been dropped for this week's final Test at Lord's, denied he ever sent the texts yet would not admit that publicly to the England and Wales Cricket Board, The Telegraph reports.

"None of this constitutes the end of my career as an international cricketer. To say I'm gutted that the ECB have decided not to select me is an understatement and the entire episode has been demoralising for me and my family," said Pietersen yesterday after the squad had been announced.

"I had an emotional time at Headingley and the video I released was my way of bringing closure to the issues I faced at the time. I stand by every word I said in it. The fact is I love England and I love cricket and I wish the team and Straussy in particular every success next week."

ECB Managing Director Hugh Morris said: "During the past week we have held several discussions with Kevin Pietersen and his advisers. Following a constructive meeting it was agreed that a number of actions needed to be completed to re-engage Kevin within the England dressing room.

"A fundamental item was to confirm publicly that no derogatory texts had been sent by Kevin to the South African team. This has not been forthcoming despite clear timelines being set to allow the selectors to pick the squad for the third Investec Test match.

"We provide an additional six hours on Sunday morning to provide every opportunity for agreement to be reached but regrettably this has not been possible."

England needs desperately to win the Lord's Test to retain their No. 1 status. (ANI)