London, September 25

Kevin Pietersen has admitted England’s successful Ashes campaign vindicated the selectors’ decision not to pick him against Australia.

Pietersen began the season hoping for an unexpected recall to the Test team following conciliatory comments from new England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves. But when Pietersen’s former captain Andrew Strauss was appointed as managing director, his first move was to rule out a comeback for the controversial 35-year-old, who had previously been axed by the England hierarchy following a series of rifts with his teammates.

Pietersen was furious that Graves’ comments didn’t lead to a return from exile. But England’s 3-2 series win over Australia to regain the Ashes had even Pietersen conceding Alastair Cook’s side had shown without him.

Speaking at the Sports Industry Breakfast Club, Pietersen said: “Absolutely it seems to be the right decision at the moment. I love seeing England win. I have some close buddies in that side and seeing them do the business was something that made me happy.”

Now Pietersen’s future is primarily in domestic T20 competitions, with a contract at the Pakistan Super League his latest venture.