Former Australia cricketer Shane Warne believes that England will "struggle" to win a Test match this summer after the ECB decided against bringing Kevin Pietersen back into the fold.

Newly-appointed director of England cricket Andrew Strauss confirmed yesterday that Pietersen will not be selected this summer due to trust issues.

In response, Pietersen accused the ECB of being deceitful after incoming chairman Colin Graves suggested earlier this year that the door is open for the batsman's return.

Strauss's controversial decision comes after head coach Peter Moores was sacked by the board, and Warne has questioned the handling of the whole affair ahead of England's Test series against New Zealand and their Ashes campaign.

The Australian tweeted: "Question, will the ECB only employ a new coach on the proviso he doesn't want KP in the team ? Gillespie or Langer would have wanted KP !

"I'm back for the Lords test between Eng & NZ. Will be an interesting press conf the day before when Cook is asked 'Did u want KP in the team'.

"To me England will struggle to win a test match this summer ! 2 nill loss to NZ is likely & so to a third 5-0 whitewash in 8 yrs V OZ #Ashes."

Pietersen scored a career-best unbeaten 355 for Surrey on Tuesday.