Kevin Pietersen says he's 'desperate' to play for England again - but Andrew Strauss is expected to block a recall

Andrew Strauss is expected to confirm that he has blocked a Test return for Kevin Pietersen, who smashed a career-best 326

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen's stunning display for Surrey and plea to return to England has apparently not swayed cricket director Andrew Strauss.

After the controversial right-hander made the first triple century of his career on Monday, he told of his "burning desire" to play for England again:

But Strauss is expected to confirm today that he has blocked a Test return for the Surrey star.

Strauss will address the media for the first time at Lord's this morning and will be forced to justify leaving Pietersen out despite his impressive early-season form.

Pietersen, who was sacked in February 2014 following England's disastrous Ashes series whitewash in Australia, said that "personal differences have got nothing to do with what the public wants."

Watch: 'The public want to see England cricket winning':

"All I've been asked to do by the chairman-elect (Graves) is to get a county and get runs," he added.

"I've got runs, I've got a county and I do believe I'm good enough to play for England.

"All I can do is score runs, that's it."