Strauss 'surprised' by Pietersen passion

Pietersen was asked by the England and Wales Cricket Board to resign from his post as skipper a fortnight ago after admitting irreconcilable differences with coach Peter Moores, who was sacked.

Strauss told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek: "I talked to Kevin a few times and I've been very, very pleasantly surprised by his attitude."

He added: "He clearly is very passionate about playing for England for a long period of time. He recognises that what's happened and the way things have happened is unfortunate.

"He loved captaining England so I suppose not being captain will take a while to settle in.

"But I think first and foremost he's an incredible batsman and I've got no doubts whatsoever he's going to go out to the West Indies and score millions of runs and prove what a strong character he is as well.

"I don't like to use the word legend but I think he will become a legend of the game."

The England squad was reportedly divided during the Pietersen/Moores saga, with some senior players understood to be unhappy with Pietersen's behaviour.

Andrew Flintoff admitted he had backed Moores but Strauss denied any cliques exist and said the group will grow stronger in the Caribbean.

"It's been a pretty low time for everyone involved but I was very reassured by the chats I had with the players, both individually and as a group."