New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has refused to offer an opinion on Kevin Pietersen's omission from the England squad.

Speaking exclusively on Sky Sports News HQ ahead of the first Test at Lord's on May 21, the Black Caps boss was asked for his take on the saga that has dominated cricket since Pietersen blasted 355 not out for Surrey only to be told by new England director of cricket Andrew Strauss that he would not feature for the national side this summer.

Hesson said: "We played against Kevin a couple of years ago so we've done some scouting on him. He's obviously a very fine player but England at home are always incredibly difficult.

"Obviously he's in decent touch judging by the other day. The beauty of team sport is you've got a lot of individuals and that's what makes team sport great. We all like individuality.

"Our record at home suggests it is tough to win over here and England's record in recent times suggests that also. We certainly won't be taking anything for granted.

"I've always found that unless you know all the facts, it's probably best not to make too much comment.

"We played against Kevin a couple of years ago so we've done some scouting on him. He's obviously a very fine player but England at home are always incredibly difficult."

Mike Hesson

"Every team goes through issues and it's just a matter of those that know the facts have come to a decision and those that if you don't know all of them, it's not best to judge.

"We're a pretty well balanced side. Our seam attack has performed extremely well over the last 18 months. We've also got a batting order that can front up on their day and produce a match-winning hand. We're in good shape.

"We've scouted and studied the whole squad. There could be one or two changes. We expect Adam Lyth to be selected. That's just based on the fact he was on the last tour, didn't play and by all accounts is a fine player."

Watch the first Test at Lord's, live on Sky Sports 2, 11am May 21