Post by Natty on Aug 4, 2008 11:11:33 GMT -1
Kevin Pietersen has succeeded Michael Vaughan as England captain.
Following Vaughan's shock resignation on Sunday, the 28-year-old's appointment was confirmed by national selector Geoff Miller at Lord's.
Pietersen will captain both the Test and one-day sides and will lead England in the final Test against South Africa at The Oval on Thursday.
He said: "I'm very thrilled and excited to have been given the opportunity to captain England."
The South Africa-born batsman had been widely tipped to take over from Vaughan and one-day captain Paul Collingwood, who also stood down on Sunday following England's Test series defeat to South Africa.
Pietersen added: "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.
"My immediate priority will be this week's fourth npower Test and I will be devoting all my energies to ensuring that the team are properly prepared and play to their full potential, starting on Thursday."
Following Vaughan's shock resignation on Sunday, the 28-year-old's appointment was confirmed by national selector Geoff Miller at Lord's.
Pietersen will captain both the Test and one-day sides and will lead England in the final Test against South Africa at The Oval on Thursday.
He said: "I'm very thrilled and excited to have been given the opportunity to captain England."
The South Africa-born batsman had been widely tipped to take over from Vaughan and one-day captain Paul Collingwood, who also stood down on Sunday following England's Test series defeat to South Africa.
Pietersen added: "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.
"My immediate priority will be this week's fourth npower Test and I will be devoting all my energies to ensuring that the team are properly prepared and play to their full potential, starting on Thursday."
We'll have to see how it goes, I guess, but I don't think he's the right kind of person for the job. Too self-focussed, for one.
