Flintoff urges KP not to change

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Pietersen is the leading batsman in the side with an average in excess of 50 in Test and one-day cricket and has become renowned for his exciting approach which included the innovative 'switch hit' shot earlier this summer.

The Lancashire all-rounder said: "Kevin has got to play the way he wants to play. Look at his stats. He is better than anyone (in the side) so why would you change? Let him go and do his thing."

He added: "He is a fine player. He has got confidence by the bucketload and he will probably take that into his captaincy. The one thing we don't want is for him to change.

"He goes out to bat and will bat left-handed, switch shots and all those things. But he doesn't just think about it on the spot. You watch him practice in the nets.

"For the 2006 Ashes series in Australia he worked so hard at dealing with the short ball. He works so hard on his fitness as well. Quite a lot of thought goes into the way he plays.

"He averages 50-odd with the bat in both forms of the game and he is an unbelievable talent.

"Everyone will ask 'will his batting be affected?' but knowing Kevin, he will probably average 70 as captain."

Flintoff believes Pietersen will have the confidence and self belief to think he can replace Vaughan who won 26 of his 51 Tests as captain.

He added: "It is massive boots to fill but I am sure Kevin will be confident he can. He is very single-minded and talented. I am sure he will be relishing it now."