Hampshire snubs England batsman Kevin Pietersen

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been snubbed by Hampshire and will have no match practice before next week's first Test against Pakistan.

The county refused to pick Pietersen against Kent on Sunday, even though England wanted him to play.

It is a major snub to Pietersen, who has certainly made his final appearance for Hampshire before leaving at the end of the season.

Pietersen has not played since injuring his thigh against Australia at Lord's on July 3 and is desperate for time in the middle before the four-Test series with Pakistan, The Sun reports.

England head coach Andy Flower said last week he fully expected Hampshire to pick Pietersen for the 40-over match at Canterbury.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said, "We have some excellent England aspirants at Hampshire, including batsmen Michael Carberry, Jimmy Adams, Michael Lumb, Liam Dawson and James Vince. Each has provided recent evidence of his ability to represent England."

"It is our wish and responsibility to give them every possible opportunity to fulfill that potential," Bransgrove added.

Pietersen, who wants to play for a county near his London home, is likely to join Middlesex.