Graeme Swann has backed Andrew Strauss' decision to continue Kevin Pietersen's exile from the England team.
Pietersen has not played for England since the disastrous 2013-14 Ashes tour of Australia, but Strauss' recent appointment as England's director of cricket, coupled with Pietersen's unbeaten triple century for Surrey last week, led to suggestions he could be in line for a recall.
However, after talks with him on Tuesday, Strauss announced Pietersen would not be part of his long-term plans due to an "erosion of trust".
Pietersen reacted angrily to the news, along with influential figures on social media, but former Test bowler Swann insists fans should trust Strauss' judgement.
Writing in his column for the Sun, Swann said: "Straussy is tough, and will not be afraid to make big decisions. We've seen that already in the way he has discarded coach Peter Moores and now Kevin Pietersen.
"I know him very well. I have great faith in his judgement.
"He's the best captain I've ever played under. Maybe not tactically - although I'm not saying he wasn't a good tactician - but for his man-management skills. They were exceptional."
Swann was also quick to hit back at claims that Strauss' middle-class background showed a lack of progression in the higher levels of English cricket.
"Anybody who says Andrew Strauss is an establishment toff and part of the old boys' network simply doesn't know the man.
"He is very intelligent, a good man-manager and will do what is required for the best of English cricket."
Pietersen, writing in his own newspaper column for the Telegraph on Tuesday, blasted Strauss and claimed he was misled into believing he could earn a place in England's squad.
"I just find it incredibly deceitful what has happened to me.
"I am angry and hurt but right now there is nothing I can do about it. Quite simply, I feel deeply misled."