Kevin Pietersen claims 'bullying culture' in England dressing room

Kevin Pietersen made his last appearance for England against Australia in January

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen says Matt Prior was a disruptive influence on the team and that ex-coach Andy Flower "ruled by fear".

Speaking for the first time about his sacking by England in February, Pietersen, 34, told the Daily Telegraph he was "marginalised and demonised".

England cricket chief Paul Downton said there has never been a formal complaint about bullying in the England team.

Former team-mate Graeme Swann described the claims as "codswallop".

Pietersen's new book is published on Thursday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said it had yet to see the book, adding: "The publishers have declined to provide us with a copy before the official release date."

Pietersen scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47 in 104 Tests and captained England in three Tests.

The South Africa-born batsman's England career was ended following a February meeting with the ECB which also involved captain Alastair Cook.

In the wake of the 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia, Pietersen was told he was no longer part of the national team's plans and had his central contract terminated.

At the time, England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Downton said: "The time is right to rebuild not only the team but also the team ethic."

Part of the termination of his contract included a confidentiality agreement covering all parties, which expired at the end of September.

Pietersen accused Flower and some senior players of overseeing "a bullying culture" in the England dressing room where players were forced to apologise if they dropped a catch or made mistakes in the field.

"He built a regime, he didn't build a team. He was the boss. He wanted me to fear him," said Pietersen.

Sussex wicketkeeper Prior, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury after taking a break from international cricket, received some of Pietersen's strongest criticism.

He objected to Prior's portrayal as a "team man" and claimed "a lot of people are very happy" the former vice-captain no longer has a central contract.

Prior, 32, tweeted: "Obviously sad to see the accusations against me this am and I WILL have my right of reply!

England captain Alastair Cook (right) avoided Pietersen's most stinging criticism

"However, today is not the day and Twitter is not the place for it! Now back to my Achilles rehab and learning to walk again!"

Pietersen offered support to Cook, who came under heavy criticism this summer and survived calls for him to be removed as skipper.

"I've got great admiration for him," said Pietersen. "I hate to see the way he was this summer.

"The ECB have put him in a very uncomfortable position and they could ruin his career."

Former England national selector Geoff Miller, who presided over team selection from 2008 to 2013, said: "To the best of my knowledge there was no atmosphere of bullying within the England set-up.

"What we tried to do as a selection unit was pick the best squad to create the best atmosphere to win matches."

Pietersen's Surrey and England team-mate Chris Tremlett said on Twitter: "Glad @KP24 has finally been able to give his side of the story. People can now make an informed opinion of what went on in the dressing room."