Kevin Pietersen deserves England chance 'maybe in time' - Ian Bell

Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell have played 212 Test matches between them

Kevin Pietersen deserves the chance to be considered for England selection in the future, says batsman Ian Bell.

Pietersen was told on Monday by new director of cricket Andrew Strauss that he would not be selected by England this summer because of "trust" issues.

The 34-year-old was originally sacked by England in February 2014.

"If he keeps scoring runs maybe there's a position in time. Everyone deserves that opportunity with a long summer ahead," said Bell, 33.

When asked by BBC Sport if he trusted Pietersen when he played with him for England, Bell added: "We all did. We had a good team that won a lot of cricket together and you don't do that without trust, without looking after each other and playing well.

"I enjoyed some great partnerships with Kevin in the middle order."

Pietersen rejoined Surrey this season after incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves suggested an international return might be possible if he were to score heavily in domestic cricket.

Despite scoring a career-best 355 not out for Surrey in their latest County Championship fixture, Strauss told him he would not be considered until after the summer's home Ashes series against Australia.

Bell, who averages 44.57 in 108 Tests, admitted Pietersen "would make any side stronger".

But in relation to the current England batting order, with Bell established at number four, Gary Ballance at three and Joe Root at five, the Warwickshire right-hander said: "I don't know where you fit him in right now.

"At three, four and five we've played pretty well, I think, in the last eight months as a Test side and started get some good relationships together between myself, Joe and Gary.

"The only slot now that looks to be free is the opening slot, so it would be an interesting selection change to get Kevin back in."

Pietersen said he was "angry and hurt" at being told he will not be considered for selection by England, accusing the ECB of being "deceitful".

Bell, who was England's vice-captain in the recent West Indies series, has been replaced as Alastair Cook's Test deputy by 24-year-old Yorkshire batsman Root, and Bell said it was a "good decision".

He added: "Joe is a definite England captain of the future. I think the more we start thinking about the future as well as winning the present, it's important. So when [Test skipper Cook] decides not to do it any more, we've got a guy who's already been involved in decisions and being involved in leadership skills."