Piers Morgan apologises to Alastair Cook for '38 weasel references'

Piers Morgan has apologised to Alastair Cook for his "over the top" and personal criticism during the long-running fall-out from the end of Kevin Pietersen's England career.

Morgan, the former News of the World and Daily Mirror editor, launched a social-media campaign in support of Pietersen after the ECB's controversial decision to move on from him following the 2013-14 Ashes, which England lost 5-0. He was particularly vitriolic towards Cook, dubbing him "Captain Weasel" for his role in the decision.

More than a decade on, they finally met when recording an episode of the Stick to Cricket podcast - which Cook co-hosts - and Morgan apologised for his criticism, telling Cook he had "great respect" for his achievements as an England opener and saying he was "very full on" despite never interacting in person.

"I have to admit, I was very full-on against you personally without knowing you, and when I look back at some of the things I tweeted about you… I know you're not on social media, but I did go over the top," Morgan told Cook. "So I will take this opportunity to say I'm sorry for the 38 'weasel' references."

Cook reflected that the Pietersen saga was "handled badly from both sides" but that they have "buried the hatchet" and have never fallen out. "Me and KP see each other all the time commentating," he said. "We never fell out personally at all… I felt so exposed as England captain, because it wasn't just my decision."