Eoin Morgan quashed Kevin Pietersen’s fanciful hopes of an England recall yesterday, insisting his promotion as one-day captain does not change a thing.

It is more than a year since Pietersen last wore the Three Lions shirt, having been controversially sacked after England’s ill-fated Ashes tour, but his star status and provocative public comments mean his name is never far away.

He caused a new stir earlier this week during a commentating stint in the Big Bash by suggesting that Morgan wanted him back in England’s one-day squad.

The Irishman has a more cordial relationship with Pietersen than many of his former teammates but made it clear on arriving in Australia that he was happy with the 15-man party.

Pietersen’s intervention ensured the situation was revisited on the eve of the Carlton Mid Tri-Series but Morgan was keen to remove any doubt this time.

“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 (James Whitaker) and I’m reiterating it again just to clear it up.”

Morgan’s frustration at the Pietersen issue overshadowing the squad’s first week Down Under became obvious when he was asked directly if the 34-year-old would make the current team stronger.

“I think that’s a terrible question,” he said, stony-faced.

“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.”