Pietersen \\\'relieved\\\' to be out of England set-up

LONDON, June 9 (AFP): Kevin Pietersen insisted Monday he'd felt a sense of "relief" to be out of the England dressing room after his controversial exit from the side.

However, England's all-time leading run-scorer across all formats said he had good relations with his old team-mates and said he believed the reason why former England spinner Ashley Giles was overlooked for the role of national head coach was because of their friendship.

Despite being the team's leading scorer in their 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia, Pietersen was dramatically ditched from the England set-up upon the side's return.

Former England captain Pietersen said he was "grateful" for his international career but that he has now "moved on".