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Vaughan expecting Pietersen to explode into life

20/03/2008

England captain Michael Vaughan has backed under-performing batsman Kevin Pietersen to come good in the series decider against New Zealand.

Pietersen has failed to score a half-century in the series so far and he has seen his Test match batting average drop below 50 for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old also had a poor time of it in the tour of Sri Lanka in December.

"Kevin's an unbelievable talent who could quite easily go out there and smash a double hundred and I certainly hope that's what he does," said Vaughan.

"I feel he's got that little bit of confidence back this week and I'm sure he's on the verge of a big score."

England are expected to go into the game in Napier with the same team that won the Test match in Wellington, which would mean no places against for experienced bowling duo Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison.

Young pace stars James Anderson and Stuart Broad performed brilliantly, taking 10 wickets between them in the match. Vaughan, however, had only praise for Hoggard and Harmison.

"I've been really happy with the way Hoggy and Harmy have knuckled down and given me a big indication that they are desperate to get their places back," said Vaughan.

"That's exactly what you want as a captain. It's now up to the young players to take their opportunity and try to keep those senior players out of the side."