Former England star Kevin Pietersen has slammed coach Andy Flower for what the batsman claimed was a 'regime of fear' in the national side.

Pietersen was axed from the England side after their dismal 5-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes at the turn of the year.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the South African-born cricketer launched an attack on Flower.

"I've been one of the only ones who've constantly through his reign as coach not said 'how high?' when he said 'jump'. He built a regime, he didn't build a team," he said.

"I've told him this before. I told him during his coaching reign. I told him on numerous occasions: 'You're playing by fear here, you want guys to be scared of you. And Andy I'm not scared of you.'

"And he hated it. He had it in for me since I tried to get rid of him as second in command."

Pietersen's autobiography is released later this week.