Thrilled Pietersen ready for new era

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Pietersen will lead the Test team into Thursday's final match against South Africa at The Brit Oval and then take on the one-day job for a series of limited-overs matches against the Proteas after a warm-up game in Scotland.

The South Africa-born batsman was firm favourite to take over once Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood quit the Test and one-day jobs during a traumatic weekend for English cricket.

"It is a huge honour for me and a terrific challenge at this stage of my international career," said the 28-year-old.

"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."

Despite England's five-wicket defeat by South Africa at Edgbaston - a result which cost them the series as well as a captain - the selectors have made just one change to the squad. Essex batsman Ravi Bopara, dropped after a poor tour of Sri Lanka before Christmas, replaces Vaughan in a 13-man party.

There are more changes to the one-day squad after the series defeat by New Zealand earlier this summer. Notts batsman Samit Patel, 23, is called up for the first time while Test keeper Tim Ambrose, who had a torrid time against the Kiwis in 50-over cricket, makes way for the returning Matt Prior.

Fit again Andrew Flintoff replaces Dimitri Mascarenhas in the one-day side and his support will be vital to Pietersen.

"I'm sure Kevin will have no problems doing the job and will have the lads behind him," Flintoff said today. "I'll get right behind him, as I did for Michael Vaughan."

Chairman of selectors Geoff Miller said of Pietersen: "We were keen to identify a player who could lead the team in all three forms of cricket and bring fresh enthusiasm and ideas to the role. Kevin is a world-class player who will command the respect of the dressing room."