Warne believes in Pietersen

Shane Warne is certain England can blossom under Kevin Pietersen’s captaincy.

Pietersen has made a fine start since taking up the reigns in August: he won his first Test in charge before presiding over the 4-0 NatWest Series triumph against South Africa.

Warne and Pietersen are firm friends from their time together at Hampshire although they have shared some feisty moments during the two Ashes series they contested.

The former Australia leg-spinner is in London to promote his new book - Shane Warne’s Century - which features the top 100 players he competed with and against through his career.

Shane Warne was in London today for the launch of his new book - Shane Warne’s Century

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Pietersen comes in at 33, and Warne believes the batsman can get the best out of the likes of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and paceman Steve Harmison.

“With Pietersen as captain, he has confidence, he is the best England batsman and people will follow him,” said Warne.

“Sometimes the best players don’t make the best captains but Pietersen is hungry for it. He likes being the man.

“If he can get Flintoff and Harmison in the dressing room the others will follow and England will become a very good side.

“He understands the game and I am sure he will have success. Hopefully he does do well and hopefully England will do well under him.”

Warne also believes Michael Vaughan is still England’s best option to bat at number three, despite the former captain’s drop in form.

Vaughan has been left out of the tour to India but Warne is certain the Yorkshireman should play for his country again.

Warne believes Michael Vaughan should play under Kevin Pietersen

Warne, who placed Vaughan at 54 in his book, said: “Michael Vaughan was the best English captain I ever played against.

“He was a very good communicator, the way he gelled the troops, and he got the best out of some players.

“I remember him coming to Australia in 2002 and he played unbelievably - right up there with Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar in the way he played against us in our conditions.

“He is still the best number three that England have got.

“Michael Vaughan needs to be back in the side for England to have their best side on the field.

“England will be a stronger side with Michael Vaughan in it, that’s for sure.”

Warne named India’s ‘Little Master’ Sachin Tendulkar at number one, ahead of the West Indies’ Brian Lara and Curtly Ambrose. The leading Englishman was Graham Gooch at 14.

“Tendulkar was the hardest player I found to bowl to,” said Warne.

“Graham Gooch was the best English player I played against. He could enforce himself on the game, there was class about the way he played and he was a competitor.”