Kevin Pietersen has apologised for his foul-mouthed Twitter outburst.

The batsman was slammed by national selector Geoff Miller for angrily announcing on the social networking site that he had been dropped by England for the limited over series against Pakistan.

But the South-African born star insists he didn’t mean to make his frustration public, and has expressed his embarrassment over the comments.

Pietersen said: "It came out in a way I didn't want. The twitter thing was a direct message to a friend and something that wasn't for the public domain.

"I can only apologise for the swearing. There was nothing against the England selectors. I've been frustrated with my form."

Pietersen will now play for Surrey for the remainder of the season, after being loaned out by Hampshire, as he bids to win back his place in the England squad.

And the 30-year-old is hoping the move will help him regain his form ahead of this winter's Ashes series.

He added: "Onwards and upwards now. I look forward to what should be an exciting two weeks.

"Surrey have been amazing - they are a great club with a great history. I'm just hopefully going to repay them with some of my experience."