Pietersen has been installed as captain for the final match against New Zealand following Paul Collingwood’s four-match ban for slow over-rates.

“I’m humbled. captaining England has been a dream of mine,” said Pietersen, who qualified in 2004 after serving four years’ residency.  “To be asked to captain your country is the ultimate 

honour in sport.”

National selector Geoff Miller said: “He is a forceful character and his knowledge of the game is first-class.”

I’m humbled. captaining England has been a dream of mine

Kevin Pietersen