England and South Africa are the top two ranked sides in world cricket . The 32-year-old issued an apology on Wednesday for sending text messages to the South African players during the drawn second Test which apparently criticized England captain Andrew Strauss -- who celebrates his 100th appearance in the five-day game at Lord 's this week . England need to win to maintain their number one ranking . Kevin Pietersen has been suspended after ` ` provocative '' Twitter message sent to opposition . Pietersen has apologized , but is yet to say if he will play again .
England and South Africa are the top two ranked sides in world cricket . England need to win to maintain their number one ranking . Kevin Pietersen has been suspended after ` ` provocative '' Twitter message sent to opposition . Pietersen has apologized , but is yet to say if he will play again .