Kallis sure England would miss 'big game player' Pietersen during 'vital' Lord's Test

Johannesburg, Aug 15(ANI): South African batsman Jacques Kallis has said England would certainly miss Kevin Pietersen during the final Test match at Lord's, which would decide who will be the world's number one team in the longest format of cricket.

Pietersen was named Man of the Match after hitting a brilliant 149 in the second Test at Leeds, and has piled up 7 076 runs in 88 Tests at an average of 49.48 for England.

"He's a world-class player and he's proven that over many years - putting in big performances for England - so I'm sure he's going to be missed," Sports24 quoted Pietersen, as saying.

Kallis however doesn't believe the row would end the South African-born batsman's international career.

"I've no doubts they'll come to an agreement and something will be sorted out. These sorts of things are going to happen throughout his career," Kallis said.

"I don't think it'll affect him, I think he'll bounce back and I think he's still got a lot of cricket ahead of him. He's too good a player to stay out of the international scene," he added.

However, Pietersen's teammates Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan believe the home side's strength has not been compromised by his absence.

Pietersen was left out of the team because he failed to confirm he did not send derogatory text messages about colleagues to the opposition.

Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow has come into the side as a replacement, with Bresnan even saying the hosts could be stronger without Pietersen. (ANI)