Stuart Broad has insisted there are no problems in the England dressing room as the squad prepare for next week's crucial third and final Test.
England squad focused on squaring the series
Stuart Broad has insisted there are no problems in the England dressing room as the squad prepare for next week's crucial third and final Test.
England must beat South Africa at Lord's to square the series and maintain their No.1 ranking, but issues surrounding Kevin Pietersen are already threatening to overshadow their preparations.
As well as expressing doubts about his England future in the wake of contract issues, Pietersen is also believed to be upset at a fake twitter account which is being followed by several members of the squad.
Nottinghamshire paceman Broad insists the dressing room environment is fine, but stressed the need for any problems to be resolved before the next meeting with the Proteas.
When asked if there were problems, Broad told Sky Sports: "To be honest, no, not really. When we turn up for a Test match week it is very focused about that job, making sure we score runs and take wickets.
"There is not a lot of time for discussing that sort of stuff. But what is vital, and what needs to come out of this week, is that we turn up to Lord's with all 11 players making sure England win that Test and all our energies and focus is going towards that.
"If you just have one player slightly off, it can be quite damaging. It is important that once we get to Lord's as a group, whoever is there, we make sure we are fully there mentally and win that game."
Pietersen also hinted at feeling isolated in the dressing room but Broad insists spirits are high.
He said: "From that press conference, you could be led to think that (feeling isolated) but in the changing room it is an amazing place to play.
"We spend virtually every day together, it is thoroughly enjoyable, we have a laugh. There is not a better working environment to go into.
"You get out of bed to go and play with your mates for your country. It is one of the biggest honours you could ever have and within that changing room everyone values that.
"Certainly within the four walls, I wouldn't have thought there was a problem.
"But if there is a problem, it is important it gets sorted and we take the field at Lord's with 11 guys who want to win for England.
Bit of fun
"What is important, is everyone in that changing room is singing from the same hymn sheet and we are there to win for England."
Broad played down the significance of the fake Pietersen twitter account, which mocks England's premier batsman.
He said: "It is not been a conversation brought up in the changing room but, with the rules, when we get to the ground we hand our phone in at 8am and get it back at 8pm.
"It would take a bit of genius to tweet from the wicket! It is not a major problem. It is a bit of fun for whoever is doing it and I don't think it is as big a story as the papers are making out."
Pietersen has also expressed a desire to play a full IPL season which would cut across his England Test commitments.
But Broad is adamant that for him the honour of playing for his country is more important than the financial gains.
He said: "You grow up dreaming of walking out at Lord's in a Test match. Also England players in the current climate get looked after fantastically well."
