Kevin Pietersen: I'll never silence the doubters

Kevin Pietersen says his South African roots are the main reason he has received heavy criticism since admitting he wants to leave the West Indies tour early.

The 28-year-old qualified for England in 2004 following a four-year residency period but sparked controversy last week when he claimed to be "at the end of his tether" and desperate to depart the tour.

The comments led to former England captain Nasser Hussain labelling him a "rebel", while others have questioned his commitment to his adopted country.

Pietersen, who has scored 23 centuries for England in five years, believes some fans will never accept him as one of their own.

He said: "I for one am absolutely 100 per cent passionate about playing for England but where I came from is probably a huge, huge, huge barrier for people. That's something I have to deal with on a daily basis. I think I'm going to have to live with that my whole career.

"My stats prove how desperate I am to do well for England. I am 100 per cent committed."

Pietersen's request to return home to see his wife, former Liberty X singer Jessica Taylor, was denied by England's management for fear it would set an unhealthy precedent.

Taylor's filming commitments on television show Dancing On Ice prevented her from visiting her husband and Pietersen admits the couple misjudged how tough they find their separation.

"I haven't seen my wife since 21 January and I have never been away from her for that long," he said.