England quick Chris Tremlett has quashed talk of a rift between star batsman Kevin Pietersen and coach Andy Flower.
As England’s post-mortems on their disastrous tour of Australia continue, British media reports suggested Flower had given the England and Wales Cricket Board a ‘it’s him or me’ ultimatum in regard to Pietersen.
But Tremlett denied there was any drama between the pair.
“Generally the dressing room has been pretty good,” Tremlett told reporters on Wednesday.
“It’s been frustrating for everyone.
“With England moving forward I’m not sure what’s going to happen with Andy Flower and Kevin Pietersen, that’s for those guys to sort out.
“But hopefully everyone can move forward in a positive way and rebuild this England side.”
Flower has denied the reports and Pietersen has taken aim at the suggestions of trouble on Twitter.
Tremlett, who bowled steadily in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba but didn’t feature for the rest of the five-match series won 5-0 by Australia, said Pietersen still had plenty to contribute to English cricket.
“It would be a great shame if the England cricket team didn’t have Kevin Pietersen in it,” said Tremlett, who will line up for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
“He adds a lot to the team the way he is. He’s a very confident player, he’s great around the group, a very honest person and when he goes out and bats for England he’s our match-winner.
“Yes he can play differently to some of our players but he’s the guy the opposition fear the most.
“I know he’s keen to keep playing and it would be a real shame if Kevin Pietersen wasn’t in this England side.”
Tremlett has struggled with injuries but has enjoyed a solid return in his 12 Tests with 53 wickets at 27.
The 32-year-old said he was hopeful of helping England regain the Ashes when the series resumes in England next year.
“I certainly haven’t giving up on playing for England,” he declared.
“I played the first Test here, didn’t bowl as well as I wanted to and was disappointed not to have kept my place.
“It’s something I haven’t given up on and hopefully I can star here in the Big Bash and show people I can still bowl well and hopefully carry that on with red ball cricket in England.
“Hopefully I’ve still got something to offer and the attributes to be a Test bowler.”
