Arthur - KP faces challenges

Proteas eager to ruin new captain's first match in charge at Brit Oval

Last updated: 5th August 2008

Arthur - KP faces challenges

Arthur: Interested to see how Pietersen gets on

He (Pietersen) is an unbelievable batsman, one of the worlds best and whether that (the captaincy) hampers his batting or not remains to be seen

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur
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South Africa coach Mickey Arthur feels Kevin Pietersen must rise to the challenge of scoring runs and fulfill his new role as England captain.

The 28-year-old has taken over the leadership duties after Michael Vaughan decided to stand down following the five-wicket defeat in the third Test.

That loss at Edgbaston means the tourists have clinched the series heading into the final match at The Brit Oval, which will see Pietersen take charge for the first time.

Arthur, who describes the South African-born right-hander as an "unbelievable batsman", feels England's new leader must make sure his form does not suffer now he has added responsibilities.

Different style

"I think it's probably going to be a different style," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's going to be interesting to see how he couples that with his batting and interesting to see how he wins the dressing room over.

"That will be the interesting thing. He's an unbelievable batsman, one of the world's best and whether that (the captaincy) hampers his batting or not remains to be seen.

"He has had a lot of challenges over the years and he has risen to every one of those, so it'll be interesting to see if he rises to this one."

Arthur was quick to heap praise on former skipper Vaughan, who made an emotional exit from his post at a press conference on Sunday.

Tremendous leader

Like his predecessor Nasser Hussain, Vaughan's final game in charge was a defeat to South Africa in Birmingham, with opposite number Graeme Smith playing a match-winning innings.

"Michael Vaughan was a tremendous leader of England," he added. "I think he deserved all the accolades he got from the job he did for England.

"He was always very dignified and very honourable and the way he went out the other day was fantastic, even if it was a little sad for a lot of us watching.

"But it's now a new era for England and it will be interesting to see what KP brings to the job. We can only wish KP well in his tenure as captain, but maybe it will be better if that starts after the Oval Test."