Former spinner Graeme Swann, whose 255 Test wickets made him England's most successful spinner since Derek Underwood, has once again denied rumours of a rift with Kevin Pietersen.
Swann stunned the cricketing world by calling time on his decorated international career following England's capitulation of the Ashes within the space of just three Tests.
Although pressure on Pietersen's spot in the England team has increased following his troubled Ashes tour, Swann believes England's short-term future should include the controversial batsman.
He said Pietersen's attitude has been great since being reintegrated in the team in 2012, News.com.au reports.
Swann said the prolific batsman was England's top run scorer in the Ashes and is one of the world's best players, and asked the team not to get rid of him.
