Kiwis give KP losing start
Kevin Pietersen slumped to defeat in his first match as England stand-in captain as New Zealand clinched the NatWest Series 3-1.
Kevin Pietersen slumped to defeat in his first match as England stand-in captain as New Zealand clinched the NatWest Series 3-1.
England went down by 51 runs at Lord's after once again being outplayed by Daniel Vettori's Black Caps.
Despite a plucky 69 from Owais Shah, England were dismissed for 215 in the 48th over, which sent them plummeting to seventh in the official one-day rankings.
Man-of-the-series Tim Southee finished with three wickets, including that of Pietersen, after England began positively with a half-century opening stand.
Following the 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.
"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, 100s, not many people can beat us.
Pietersen said he had assumed the captaincy role with pride and passion after being named as stand-in for the suspended Paul Collingwood, and added that he hoped 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. 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."
