ECB denies talks with Pietersen over England return

England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton has denied that he has been contacted by Kevin Pietersen to discuss a potential return to the national team.

Pietersen has become optimistic his England career could yet be revived and reports on Tuesday claimed that the 34-year-old had held conversations with intermediaries acting for the ECB.

"He hasn't asked me for a meeting," said Downton. "As far as the ECB is concerned no position has changed. We put out a statement last week."

Downton was one of the key figures in casting Pietersen out of the England set-up following last year's 5-0 Ashes whitewash and when asked if he would consider a meeting with the South Africa-born batman, he added: "I don't know what to say to that to be honest.

"It's not something that is at the forefront of the selectors' minds now. We've got a group of players that we are working with and looking to progress the England team.

"Nothing has changed from where we were in the last year."

England's World Cup embarrassment has given ammunition to those who believe it was a mistake to axe Pietersen.