England Test captain Alastair Cook has stressed that any return for Kevin Pietersen to the national team is "a long way" off.

Pietersen was involved in a public fall-out with the England management following the Ashes whitewash in Australia last year and has not been considered for selection since.

However, new England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves seemingly opened the door for Pietersen to work his way back into the fold earlier this month, and the 34-year batsman has made no secret of his desire to play for his country again.

Cook believes that it is "very unlikely" that he will return, though, citing remarks made in his autobiography as one of the hurdles that would be difficult to overcome.

"I think it's very unlikely. There's been a hell of a lot of stuff happened, with his book and all that kind of stuff. It's a long way back from that," Cook told the Daily Telegraph.

Pietersen is expected to return to country cricket with Surrey next season after Kumar Sangakkara hinted at playing alongside him.