Former Hampshire fast bowler Chris Tremlett has described Kevin Pietersen's sacking by the England and Wales Cricket Board as “unfair”.

Tremlett also appears to take issue with ECB managing director Paul Downton's assessment of Pietersen as “disengaged” during England's 2013/14 Ashes whitewash defeat.

The Surrey seamer was in that squad alongside Pietersen, as well as the one that famously won in Australia three years earlier, and has also played alongside the South Africa-born batsman for Hampshire.

In his column for cityam.com, Southampton-born Tremlett regrets the timing of new ECB chairman Colin Graves’ hints that Pietersen could yet return to international cricket after his sacking 13 months ago, with England struggling to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages.

Tremlett said: “Kevin Pietersen's sacking last February was unfair, and it was a shame for English cricket the way it happened, but the timing of incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves seemingly handing him a lifeline has created an unwelcome distraction.”

He believes Pietersen would be well capable of reviving England's longer-term fortunes, but reckons his return is a long shot.

Pietersen wrote about a “bullying culture” in the England dressing room in his autobiography last October, and also delivered damning character critiques of former coach Andy Flower and several players.

Tremlett has spoken up previously for Pietersen too, and this time added: “It would be good to see Kevin play for England again, because they are crying out for a match-winner.

“There is a glimmer of hope for him. But, realistically, it's unlikely to happen after everything that has been said and done.

“I have played a lot with Kevin over the years for Hampshire, Surrey and England and I can't say anything bad about him.”

Specifically, on what to date has proved Pietersen’s final England assignment, Tremlett – who played for Hampshire for ten seasons before leaving to join Surey ahead of the 2010 campaign – insists he was an entirely positive rather than negative influence on his team-mates.

“He didn't put a foot wrong on that 2013-14 Ashes tour before his contract was terminated, despite claims to the contrary,” said Tremlett.

“There was nothing I witnessed which was untoward, and he was a positive influence in the dressing room and a big help to the younger players who could pick his brains and tap into his experience and vast knowledge of the game.”