Former Nottinghamshire and England spinner Graeme Swann has backed Kevin Pietersen to remain an integral member of the national team.
Swann believes that debates around Pietersen’s position in the team often leans too heavily towards off-field trivia and ignores his form and contribution.
“He was England's top run scorer in the Ashes and is one of the world's best players, so why get rid of him," said Swann.
“No man could have captained us this winter." Graeme Swann
"People seem keen to create a rift between Kevin and the rest of the team.
"Among the more ludicrous stories was one claiming he did not go to the team's Christmas lunch. I know he did - because I sat next to him.”
Speaking on his BBC radio show, Swann also discussed his retirement decision and admitted that his form had reached point where he felt he could no longer maintain the standards that had seen him elevated to become one of the world’s most revered spinners.
“Quite simply I was awful,” he said.
“It gets to a point where you are hindering the team, not helping them in any way. It is a horrible feeling to come to terms with. You are playing for your country, it is your life, and it was the most sobering decision I’ve ever had to make. It was horrendous.”
Swann also backed Alastair Cook to recover from the despair of a disappointing tour that has seen his leadership questioned.
“Alastair had to try and be funky as the series went on because we were terrible,” said Swann.
“People say he is not a good captain and Clarke had the rub on him but Clarke had a guy he could turn to seemingly at any point who could get a wicket and Cooky never had that.
“No man could have captained us this winter. There is not a man on earth. If we had brought back Mike Brearley he wouldn’t have done any good. We were terrible.”