Atherton backs Pietersen to be England skipper

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Former England captain Mike Atherton believes Kevin Pietersen is the right man to succeed Michael Vaughan as skipper.

Vaughan announced he was quitting as Test captain on Sunday following the series defeat to South Africa, and Paul Collingwood also revealed he was to step down as captain of the one-day side.

England's star batsman Pietersen is one of the favourites to take over both jobs, with Andrew Strauss and Andrew Flintoff also in contention.

And Atherton insists it is the South Africa-born Pietersen who should be given the chance to lead his adopted country.

"If you're talking about someone to take on both jobs then Kevin Pietersen becomes the number one candidate because he's one of the few people who can be guaranteed their...