Hugh Morris, the managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, says he has had no conversation with Andrew Strauss about his future as captain of the one-day team.
The denial comes amid persistent rumours that Strauss will stand down as one-day captain at the end of the World Cup. There has been widespread speculation that he could end his spell in charge of the 50-over team when the tournament ends, to help prolong his career as a Test player and captain.
It has also been suggested that Kevin Pietersen, who flew home last week for treatment to a hernia problem, will follow Strauss into one-day retirement, but Morris insists he has has no discussions with either player about the issue.
He said: “I did see one report, but what I can say, categorically, is that Andrew and I have not had that conversation. It‘s purely speculation. I know how competitive Andrew is and he‘s done a magnificent job. I know how well he wants to do at the World Cup.
“It‘s not a conversation I‘ve had. At the end of each winter series we have a robust debrief and Andrew will be involved, but at this stage we‘ve had no discussions.
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“Andrew is doing an outstanding job as leader of the Test and one-day side. I will sit down with him and discuss a whole range of issues, but at the moment we‘re trying to focus on beating the West Indies. I‘ve had no discussions with Kevin, Andrew or any players.”
It has been suggested that England‘s players are suffering from burnout, with their erratic form in the sub-continent following a lengthy tour of Australia. A number of players have been on the road since October 29, having just three days at home in the middle, and Morris has revealed that future tours of Australia will be reduced as a result.
He added: “What we want to do with the schedule is get the balance right and clearly this winter it simply hasn‘t happened. The good news is, going forward, our board and Cricket Australia, have agreed we won‘t be playing seven one-day games, we will be playing five, and the World Cup and the Ashes won‘t be played in the same year.”