Pietersen named as captain

[MattyB]

Kevin Pietersen was named as the new captain of England's Test and one-day teams.

Pietersen, 28, replaces Michael Vaughan, who resigned on Sunday, to become England's 74th Test captain and also takes over the one-day side from Paul Collingwood, who also stepped down at the weekend.

With England's selectors keen to appoint one man to captain all international sides, instead of the split captaincy method they have adopted over the last year, Pietersen was always the favourite because he is virtually the only player guaranteed a place in both teams.

The Hampshire batsman, who captained England in a one-day international against New Zealand earlier this year, will lead England in a Test for the first in Thursday's final Test against South Africa at The Oval.

"I'm very thrilled and excited to have been given the opportunity to captain England," he said. "It's a huge honour and a terrific challenge for me at this stage of my international career.

"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.

"They are big shoes that I have to fill but I will give it the best possible go. It is a great honour.

"It is something that has turned my life around in the last 24 hours. It has been a very emotional time for me."

Pietersen insisted the captaincy would not make him temper the aggressive style which has made him one of the world's leading batsman.

"Time will tell but I hope it won't restrict the way I play. I've been successful with my style and I would be foolish to change that," he said.

National selector Geoff Miller, who heads the selection panel which chose Pietersen, confirmed his role as an established member of all three international teams was a key factor.

"In choosing a new captain, we were keen to identify a player who could lead the team in all three forms of cricket and bring fresh enthusiasm and ideas to the role of captain," Miller said.

"Kevin is a world-class player who will command the respect of the dressing room and I am sure 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

as much as i hate him cause he is an awesome player, good on him.
He has done very well

 

[K E]

I see England are continuing the tradition of not having an actual Pommy as captain. Nasser Hussein, Kevin Pietersen. Who's Next Monty Panasar?

Pietersen is VERY good though.

 

[will.i.am]

Good on KP.

 

[will.i.am]

I see England are continuing the tradition of not having an actual Pommy as captain. Nasser Hussein, Kevin Pietersen. Who's Next Monty Panasar?

Pietersen is VERY good though.

Tony Greig is one as well.

 

[K E]

Tony Greig is one as well.

Another one.

If England had to choose another captain, they made the right choice. It's the only choice IMO. Who else would they give it to?

 

[Kim Possible]

i refuse to congratulate that dirty saffa.

 

[Berries]

I awwed when Vaughn cried

 

[Kim Possible]

I awwed when Vaughn cried

twas.

was like when flemo retired for good from tests and everything.

was a awww moment.

 

[wyongguy]

Hasn't been consistent since the ashes that Australia lost, hope he falls to the captains curse of losing form once becoming captain. how good was it when Mcgrath broke his rib. I wonder has Australia ever had a foreign born captain?