Kevin PietersenLONDON — England coach Andy Flower said he expects an announcement on Kevin Pietersen's future with the side before Thursday as he hoped for a positive resolution to the saga. The star batsman was cast into international exile in August after sending text messages to touring South Africa players that contained criticism of then England captain Andrew Strauss during the Test series. He missed out on England's failed World Twenty20 title defense in Sri Lanka and the upcoming England tour of India, as well as a central contract for the new season. But Flower said he was optimistic that an agreement had finally been reached. “The situation is ongoing. I think it's nearing an end now — hopefully in a positive way," he told British media. “There's been a lot of formal communication between the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and Kevin, and there will be a press conference I would imagine in the next 36 hours which will enlighten you a little further." Monday's defeat to the host Sri Lanka in the Super Eights saw England crash out of the World Twenty20. Asked whether Pietersen had been missed, Flower said: “Of course, but he wasn't available for this tournament when we selected the side." ‘England not good enough' England captain Stuart Broad has admitted his inexperienced team was “not good enough" after the defending champion crashed out of the World Twenty20. England's 19-run defeat against Sri Lanka Monday was its second loss in three Super Eights games and paved the way for the host and the West Indies to advance to the semifinals from Group One. “You can look at the missed opportunities. But I think throughout the whole tournament, we've not quite been good enough," Broad said Monday night as his team prepared for the long journey home. England beat only New Zealand in the Super Eights but could have made the semifinals had it defeated Sri Lanka. “It was very disappointing to have gone out, because I believe we do have the firepower in that changing room to go far," said Broad. “It was frustratingly close." Broad refused to dwell on Pietersen's absence, but admitted his side lacked experience to match the firepower of the other teams. — Agencies
