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Pietersen named as England captain

04/08/2008

Kevin Pietersen has been named as Michael Vaughan's successor as England captain by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

South African-born Pietersen, 28, has been handed the captaincy of both the Test and one-day teams as expected.

He beat off competition from Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook and Andrew Flintoff to be named as Vaughan's successor.

The batsman, arguably England's most-talented player, has captained England once before in an ODI defeat to New Zealand.

The ECB's decision comes after the captaincy was split between Vaughan in the Test arena and Paul Collingwood in the limited overs game.

ECB national selector Geoff Miller said Pietersen would bring "fresh enthusiasm and ideas" to the role of captain.

"Kevin is a world-class player who will command the respect of the dressing room and I am sure that he will be looking to lead from the front and work closely with both the players and the coaching staff to bring England success in the future," Miller said.

Pietersen himself said he was "very thrilled and excited" at the opportunity before him.

"It's a huge honour for me and a terrific challenge for me at this stage of my international career," Pietersen continued.

"I have learned a great deal about leadership from playing under both Michael and Paul and fully appreciate the level of responsibility that comes with the job of captaining your country.

"My immediate priority will be this week's [fourth Test] and I will be devoting all my energies to ensuring that the team is properly prepared and plays to its full potential starting on Thursday."

Vaughan – England's most successful captain - announced his resignation yesterday in a bid to prolong his career and was followed out minutes later by Collingwood.

Both players have pledged their futures to England however, while Pietersen's first task will be the dead rubber Test against South Africa next weekend, with the tourists already 2-0 up in the four-match series.

One change to the 13-man squad announced today is Ravi Bopara coming in for Vaughan, who is taking several weeks off from England duty.

After this weekend's match, Pietersen will have Test series in India and the West Indies and a home series against Sri Lanka before the Australians come back to England to contest the Ashes.

In the last Ashes series on home shores, England - led by Vaughan - won the famous urn for the first time in 18 years.