New England skipper, Andrew Strauss, has played down the impact of any negative fall-out from Kevin Pietersen's sacking, saying he expected the team to be a cohesive unit for their upcoming Test tour against the West Indies.

"What's happened in the last two or three weeks hasn't been ideal for English cricket, there's no doubt about that. It's been a pretty low time for everyone involved," Strauss told the BBC. "I was very reassured by the chats I've had with the players, both individually and as a group, last week. We haven't been affected particularly badly as a group by this and any divisions that were made out (to be there) were not evident at all."

Pietersen was removed as captain after the England and Wales Cricket Board moved quickly to calm a simmering controversy between himself and coach Peter Moores, before the team left for the Caribbean.

In charge for just three Tests following Michael Vaughan's resignation in August last year, media reports said Pietersen had threatened to quit rather than continue working with Moores on the West Indies tour.

The controversy is said to have left divisions in the England camp but this was stoutly refuted by Strauss.

"I've spoken to the players individually and in the strictest confidence and there aren't any (divisions) there," said Strauss whose 55 Tests and 78 one-day internationals (ODIs) make him one of the most senior members of the side. "In terms of a group being together I think we are pretty good and a tour is a great way to bring people even closer together. We are in a lot better position than a lot of people think we are."

England leave here today to face West Indies in four Tests and five ODIs, starting next month, having not lost to the hosts in 10 years.

Strauss said he backed Pietersen to score heavily against the West Indies.

"He clearly is very passionate about playing for England for a long time. He has a huge commitment to not just himself doing well but the England cricket team doing well," Strauss said. "But first and foremost he is an incredible batsman and I've got no doubts he's going to go to West Indies and score millions of runs and prove what a strong character he is as well."

England open their series with a three-day match against a St Kitts XI at Warner Park in St Kitts from January 25-27.