Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

The appointment of Kevin Pietersen as the new England captain, following the resignation of Michael Vaughan as Test skipper, has received mixed reviews outside the inner circle of English cricket.

The 28-year-old Pietersen will lead England against his native South Africa in the fourth Test starting at The Oval on Friday.

Pietersen became eligible to play for England in 2004 and firmly established himself in the side during the Ashes win over Australia in 2005.

He says it's an honour to take the job, but one which will be a learning process as his experience as captain is limited.

But there's been mixed reaction to Pietersen's appointment from former England players.

Sir Ian Botham welcomed the move, while former captain Mike Gatting says his choice was Andrew Strauss.

Pietersen says he's had supportive text messages and phone calls from senior players in the squad saying they're right behind him, and there's nothing more he could ask for than that.