The Sun has issued a rare apology over a story claiming former England batsman Kevin Pietersen had returned his 100th Test gifts to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Pietersen quoted the "exclusive" tweet from The Sun's cricket correspondent John Etheridge, accompanied by a link to the story, on Tuesday morning and then posted a picture of himself with the 100th cap he received at the Gabba in Australia in November.
"LIES from @JohnSunCricket this morning! Who briefs you, John? Care 2 check ur facts instead of misleading the public?" Pietersen tweeted.
Etheridge then replied with this groveling apology: "Was told categorically at Lord's yesterday that gifts were returned and in ECB offices. Weird - will investigate. Can only apologise."
Aside from the rarity of a Sun apology, the exchange will reflect terribly on the ECB, who have been heavily criticised for their handling of Pietersen's demotion from the England team.
Two weeks ago, the ECB apologised to Pietersen following comments made by managing director Paul Downton, who said said the 33-year-old appeared "disinterested" and "distracted" in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney this year.
Australia celebrate Ashes win
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(01 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Australian Ashes team pose during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(02 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Australian Ashes team pose during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(03 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Australian captain Michael Clarke poses with fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(04 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Australian captain Michael Clarke speaks during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(05 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Australian coach Darren Lehmann speaks during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(06 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Fans gather during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(07 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Mitchell Johnson poses with fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(08 of46)
Australian cricket team captain Michael Clarke attends a ceremony to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(09 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Chris Rogers sign autographs for fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(10 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: David Warner sign autographs for fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(11 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Brad Haddin poses with fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(12 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott speaks during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(13 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Fans gather during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(14 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Chris Rogers dances on stage during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(15 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Michael Clarke pose with fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(16 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Australian Team lift the Ashes Urn during Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(17 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: David Warner of Australia signs autographs during Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(18 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Candice Falzon, partner of David Warner of Australia, Anna Weatherlake, parnter of Peter Siddle of Australia and Kyly Clarke, wife of Michael Clarke of Australia look on during Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(19 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Chris Rogers dances on stage during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(20 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Michael Clarke sign autographs for fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(21 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Fans gather during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(22 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Michael Clarke (L) and Mitchell Johnson (R) pose in front of fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(23 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: (L-R) Alex Doolan, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, George Bailey and Brad Haddin pose in front of fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(24 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: (L-R) Alex Doolan, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, George Bailey and Brad Haddin pose in front of fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(25 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Michael Clarke sign autographs for fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(26 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Mitchell Johnson sign autographs for fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(27 of46)
Australian paceman and man of the series Mitchell Johnson walks through fans that have gathered to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(28 of46)
Australian paceman Peter Siddle walks through fans that have gathered to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(29 of46)
Australian paceman and man of the series Mitchell Johnson walks through fans that have gathered to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(30 of46)
Australian cricketer George bailey (front) leads team mates Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson (back) through cricket fans who have gathered to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(31 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Ashes trophy and urn are seen during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(32 of46)
Australian paceman Shane Watson walks through fans that have gathered to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(33 of46)
Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson signs autographs during a ceremony to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(34 of46)
Australian cricketer Shane Watson signs autographs during a ceremony to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(35 of46)
A boy attends a ceremony to celebrate Australia's cricket team victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(36 of46)
A boy waits to see the Australian cricket team during a ceremony to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(37 of46)
Security officers escort Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott through cricket fans that have gathered to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(38 of46)
Crowds gather during a ceremony to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(39 of46)
Australian cricket team captain Michael Clarke (L) poses for a photograph with team mate Mitchell Johnson (R) during a ceremony to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(40 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: David Warner sign autographs for fans during the Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(41 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Darren Lehmann, coach of Australia, arrives during Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-ENG-ASHES(42 of46)
A girl takes her picture with Australian cricket team captain Michael Clarke (R) during a ceremony to celebrate Australia's victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014. Australia won the series by 5-0. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(43 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Australian Team lift the Ashes Urn during Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(44 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Australian Team lift the Ashes Urn during Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian Ashes Team Celebrations(45 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: The Australian Team lift the Ashes Urn during Australian Ashes team celebrations at Sydney Opera House on January 7, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian team won the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia 5-0. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australia v England - Fifth Test: Day 3(46 of46)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 05: Captain Michael Clarke and the Australian team celebrates with the urn after winning the Ashes series 5-0 during day three of the Fifth Ashes Test match between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)