Thursday 15 January 2015 15:05, UK
England one-day captain Eoin Morgan has denied suggestions Kevin Pietersen could make it back into the squad under his leadership.
Pietersen lost his place following England's Ashes tour whitewash but had suggested earlier this week that Morgan might offer him a way back into the fold.
The Irishman was keen to emphasise that would not be happening though, as he prepares to lead England against Australia in Sydney on Friday in the first match of a Tri-Nations series that also includes India.
"I think this is a good opportunity to clear things up, given that Kevin has a lot of opportunity to talk in the media and get his point of view out there," said Morgan.
"I'm very happy with the group of players I have. I think this is the best group of players we have to drive the England team forward over the next two months in particular.
I think this is a good opportunity to clear things up, given that Kevin has a lot of opportunity to talk in the media and get his point of view out there.
"Kevin's situation hasn't changed over the last year. It's been reiterated over months and days.
“It was reiterated before Christmas by the chairman of selectors (James Whitaker) and I'm reiterating it again just to clear it up."
Morgan was also unhappy when asked directly if having Pietersen in the side would make the team stronger.
"I think that's a terrible question," he added.
For him to be fit for selection he needed to up his workload in the nets and if he'd have played he wouldn't have pulled up that well.
"Kevin is not in the side, he won't be in the side for the foreseeable future, so there's no point in answering that question."
A more pressing concern for Morgan and England remains the fitness of bowler James Anderson, who continues to struggle with a knee injury.
The problem forced him to miss the recent tour of Sri Lanka and he also had a watching brief for England's second warm-up match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.
He could also miss the opening game with Australia, with Morgan admitting he will be assessed ahead of the game.
"Probably the only concern at the moment is Jimmy. He will go through a full practice (on Thursday) and see how he pulls up in the morning," said Morgan.
"It (resting Anderson) was more managing his workload coming back from his injury. We decided he wouldn't be able to play three games in a week and obviously the most important game is Friday.
"For him to be fit for selection, he needed to up his workload in the nets and if he'd have played, he wouldn't have pulled up that well.
"I obviously want a full squad of players to pick from. Hopefully he'll be fit for selection and if not, he will be in time for Brisbane (on January 20 against India)."
Watch Australia v England in the opening match of the Tri-Nations series. Coverage begins on Friday at 3am on Sky Sports 2 HD.
