Below-par batting was our downfall - KP - Sport in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

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."