LIVE CRICKET: Pietersen aiming for winning start at The Oval at the start of new era for England

11.57: Plenty of bounce and a little movement in this Oval pithc - South Africa will be mightily relieved and pleased to have survived this first hour. England's first bowling change sees Andrew Flintoff replace Jimmy Anderson.

11.35: SOUTH AFRICA 14-0 Smith is twice forced to hurriedly fend Harmison away to short leg - splendid opening spell from the Durham man. Some would say he is rather lucky to be returning to Test cricket, but he certainly seems determined to make the most of his chance.

Graeme Smith edged the first ball of the match, but survived as Alistair Cook dropped the chance in the gully

11.15: SOUTH AFRICA 3-0 What is your opinion of Pietersen being appointed captain? For the record I like the appointment, largely on the grounds that I think it's important to have the same captain for one-day and Test cricket. Also, people were debating in 2005 whether Pietersen should play in the Ashes series (seems hard to believe now), arguing that an he didn't have the experience. He certainly proved the worriers wrong then, and in memorable style.

11.07: SOUTH AFRICA 1-0 How do you like your drama? Steve Harmison, back in English Test cricket, sends in a fine pacy short-ptiched ball to South Africa's captain, Smith cuts and Cook drops at gully. In fact the whole of the first over is superb. Well, superb for most people, but not Tim Ambrose. The wicketkeeper took a nasty blow to the face off the last ball of the over, and with blood dripping he needs attention from the physio.

Kevin Pietersen lost the toss in his first Test as England captain

11.00: The players have taken to the field, with Kevin Pietersen given a lovely reception from the Oval crowd. It's a full house at the old place, a welcome sight after the empty seats at Edgbaston.

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South Africa captain Graeme Smith has won the toss and decided to bat first.

The weather is set fair in south London and England will hope to retain some pride in the final Test against South Africa, with the series already lost.

Kevin Pietersen will lead England in a Test match for the first time following a dramatic week in English cricket.

Kevin Pietersen will be hoping to lead England to victory in his first Test as captain