Morgan rules out Pietersen return ahead of World Cup

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Eoin Morgan has rejected claims made by Kevin Pietersen that he wants the exiled batsman back in the England one-day international side.

Morgan, who succeeded Alastair Cook as England's ODI captain last month, addressed the issue on Thursday, two days after Pietersen suggested the 28-year-old would "love" to have him back in the national side while on commentary for Channel Ten at the Big Bash League.

Pietersen was unceremoniously sacked by England last year following their dismal Ashes whitewash in Australia, with the flamboyant batsman - who has played 104 Tests and 136 ODIs for England - subsequently releasing an autobiography claiming that a culture of bullying existed in the England camp.

Morgan insists there will be no recall for his former team-mate and hopes to have ended speculation ahead of the Cricket World Cup next month.

"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.

"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 and I'm reiterating it again just to clear it up."

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