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Pietersen backs Vaughan to make England comeback

05/08/2008

New captain Kevin Pietersen has given his backing to predecessor Michael Vaughan in his bid to return to the England team in the future.

The Yorkshireman will return to his county for the rest of the domestic summer season in a bid to regain his form and get some runs under his belt after a barren stint with the national side.

And Pietersen, who was yesterday named Vaughan's successor as England captain following the 33-year-old's decision to step down on Sunday, has backed his former skipper to return to the side.

"I love Michael and I respect the man. I still believe he is one of the best batters we've got in this country," Pietersen said.

"He said he wants to score runs for Yorkshire and he'll go back into county cricket without any stresses or strains and will score as many runs as he can.

"I'm sure Michael will be back in the England team."

National selector Geoff Miller echoed Pietersen's sentiments, saying he has full confidence in Vaughan's ability to find his form ahead of the winter.

But said he has no regrets about seeing the South African-born batsman take over after Vaughan's five-year reign.

"I am sure Michael will go back and get runs for Yorkshire and put himself back in the picture again," Miller added.

"But we're happy with the situation as it is now and we'll go forward from here."