KP to skipper England

Perfect birthday present for big-hitting batsman

Last updated: 27th June 2008

KP to skipper England

Pietersen: first time as captain

To be asked to captain your country is the ultimate honour in sport and I feel privileged and proud to have been asked to lead the side on Saturday.

Kevin Pietersen
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Kevin Pietersen has been named England captain for Saturday's decisive NatWest Series match against New Zealand following Paul Collingwood's ban.

Collingwood was handed a four-match ban for England's slow over-rate in the one-wicket defeat by New Zealand at the Oval on Wednesday.

England need to win at Lord's on Saturday to earn a 2-2 draw in the five-match series. Pietersen will be leading the side for the first time.

Pietersen, who will celebrate his 28th birthday on the eve of the game, said: "I'm humbled to have been handed the England one-day captaincy in Paul Collingwood's absence for the final NatWest Series game at Lord's.

"Captaining England has been a dream of mine but I also understand that I'm assuming the role in Paul's absence as he is the captain and leader of the one-day side.

"To be asked to captain your country is the ultimate honour in sport and I feel privileged and proud to have been asked to lead the side on Saturday.

Challenge

"I'm very much looking forward to leading the team and am excited by the challenge of captaining such a young and talented side. We can't win this NatWest Series but I, like the rest of the dressing room, expect an outstanding England performance to finish the series on a high."

With Collingwood unavailable, England have opted to call up former captain Andrew Strauss as cover.

Collingwood, 32, will miss the Lord's decider, a One Day International against Scotland and two matches against South Africa later this summer - a Twenty20 International and an ODI.

He was found guilty of a level three offence in the International Cricket Council's code of conduct by match referee Javagal Srinath.

Comments (11)

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Badger Badger says...

Think its the right decision, could of been Bell although I dont think hes got the authority of Pietersen or they could of picked Vaughan. As for the Collingwood suspension, i'd say its a very harsh punishment and people have recieved less for harsher crimes ie Afridi vs england only got 2 odi's and a test suspension for deliberately rubbing his studs in the wicket which is imo 100 times worse. Think they need to rethink the over rate thing, penalty runs is without a doubt the way to go, captains will have to hurry things up or they make life hard for themself.

Posted 10:35 27th June 2008

Dillon Chetty says...

KP made 1 good score against New Zealand. After those switch 6's, all the commentators where saying that he wants to show that he is the best. What happened since. Right . Nothing!! Prove yourself as a captain, then we will applaud you.

Posted 10:16 27th June 2008

Matt Naylor says...

Arnold Kirkby - Correct me if I'm wrong but don't you have an Indian (Bodi) and a Zimbabwian (Harris) in your Official Cricket Team? Country of Origin has nothing to do with the Team you choose to play for in Cricket I think it's more the Country you feel the most kinship with, hence KP and Strauss who may have been born in SA but through descendance were eligible to play for England. I know the Proteas are still hurting over the decision of one of their finest batsmen to pip for England but thats life! Interesting to see an South African giving advice on humility!

Posted 08:54 27th June 2008

Allan Gobey says...

Bob Davies seems to have missed the point regarding Collingwood's ban - it's got nothing to do with the run out incident. Pietersen was probably the only realistic choice to skipper the side, he seems to have been acting as vc in the ODIs anyway. I think Pietersen is a more "thinking" cricketer than people give him credit for and I think he'll do a good job, I also think we are glimpsing the future.

Posted 03:13 27th June 2008

Arnold Kirkby says...

It is going to be absolutely great to see at least 13 South Africans on the field when the Proteas take on England for the first two day internationals later in the season. While I sympathise and understand both Pietersen and Strauss about being sporting refugees and their individual decisions to head north to play the sport they love - but at least they give England a fighting chance - I know its going to be a good series, both in the ODI and Test series. Good luck to Pietersen for being selected as captain - he has the tenacity and drive to do a good job. Just keep a steady head in those heady moments and remain humble.

Posted 22:07 26th June 2008

Sanya Batra says...

It seems to be a good decision. With Colly banned for four matches, KP ia our best option. He has been kind of a supportive captain for Paul Collingwood as we have seen him discussing with Colly & advising him. He is very energetic, fully enthusiased & probably he wasn't so responsible when he joined the team but he has become more & more responsible over the years. I guess marriage has also played a role in it. It's a perfect birthday gift for him. But I'm a little worried too. I hope he wouldn't feel stressed. I think things would go well for him if England wins on Saturday. Oh! Just imagine him captaining against South Africa! He would have never imagined this a few years ago when he was playing for Natal & dreaming of a place in the South African team. With his favourite opponents touring England, the hunger to win will only rise in him! England needs energy & enthusiasm for the match at Lord's more than ever before. They need to be at their best & become ruthless.

Posted 21:35 26th June 2008

Bob Davies says...

While I congratulate Kevin Pietersen on getting the England captaincy, I think the authorities have been far too harsh on Paul Collingwood. I hope they will also fine Daniel Vetori for his outburst, which was unforgivable to say the least.

Posted 21:24 26th June 2008

Lynne Lee says...

Kevin Peterson is a great and attacking batsman, but also has bad days. He has to prove himslef as a successful captain before we starting throwing accolades, l seem to recall Freddie Flintoff, Ian Botham, geoff boycott and a host of others were automatically going to be great captains because they were great players with an attacking attitude, but they were`nt, and one of Englands lowest periods in cricket, re oz, and the world cup, was when Micheal Vaughan was away injured. To appreciate the success he has brought as captain with his laid back style would be decent, as did Mike Brearley with his relaxed approach, As with Football managers, they need to prove their worth before we start cheering.

Posted 21:19 26th June 2008

David Clark says...

Paul Collingwood suspended,absolutely barmy.In my eyes there was no difference between yesterdays incident and the one in,(was the 20 20 world tournement or the world cup can`t quite remember) against South Africa,when Shaun Pollock perposely stood in KP`s way.Could`nt believe my ears when i heard about on radio COMPLETE JOKE.

Posted 20:05 26th June 2008

Freddie Jones says...

This is the best thing to happen in a long while.... KP should lead the one day team full time and if successful then take over from Michael Vaughan as Test captain. We need someone who is full of energy and is in the face of the other team at all times. We need to be more aggressive and not back down from any fight.

Posted 19:39 26th June 2008

Matt Buck says...

Yes, Yes England. Our best, and most influential player should be our captain. KP would be a natural captain, given the fact he thrives on pressure. Collingwood has done ok, i like him, but if i was coach KP would be my captain.

Posted 18:13 26th June 2008
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