Pietersen – the best bet to lead England

The England papers seem to have reached a consensus in that Kevin Pietersen is the best bet to take over as captain after Michael Vaughan's resignation on Sunday. However, concerns remain. In the Telegraph, Simon Briggs lists three problem areas: his country of origin, his ego, and the impact leading the side will have on his batting.

The first is Pietersen’s country of origin. It is true that Tony Greig, another South African emigre, did the job in some style in the late 1970s, and it is also true that there should be no half-measures about adopting a player born overseas; once you accept Pietersen as an Englishman, you must accept him on the same terms as everybody else.

Mike Selvey, in the Guardian, looks forward to a potential face-off between Graeme Smith and Pietersen at the toss in the The Oval.

It will be fun anyway. Even the toss at The Oval on Thursday, between Pietersen, a fellow for whom the South African captain has little time, and Smith himself, whom Pietersen has referred to as a "muppet", should have the tension of a pre-fight weigh-in. Perhaps they should pose nose-to-nose.

In the Times, John Westerby praises KP's professional dedication and cricketing intelligence but says question marks remain over his interpersonal skills.