England somehow relinquished the hold they had on the campaign by virtue of a crushing opening win at Chester-le-Street and have now slipped to seventh in the official one-day rankings as a result.

Following the 51-run defeat, Pietersen said: "We didn't bat well enough throughout the series. Unfortunately in a five-match series the consistency in the batting has not been there, it is something we have to work on."

He added: "When you get to 20s, 30s or 40s the key is to go on; I don't mind if a guy gets nought, or I get nought or six, whatever; when you get yourself in it's definitely a key to take the onus and responsibility.

"The onus is on the individual to try to win a game, try to be that hero, that is what we're after.

"We made great improvements on the bowling front, so we are not that far away. I know that sounds ridiculous but if we get 70s, 80s, hundreds, not many people can beat us.

"I don't think it is a catastrophe by any stretch of the imagination, it's just an area we can target to improve."

Pietersen said he would assume the captaincy role with pride and passion after being named as stand-in for the suspended Paul Collingwood and hopes to get another chance this summer.

"It was great fun and if I get the opportunity I will do the job like I did here," said Pietersen. "The thing for me is I am a perfectionist and I strive on doing things really well, to the best of my ability and being successful.

"Finishing the day without a victory gives me an incentive to get the stripes back again, to try to get a victory under the belt. I don't want to be an England captain who captains one game and loses it."