Is Pietersen a gamble too far?

Is Kevin Pietersen the right choice to replace Michael Vaughan?

He is England's best player but there is still a strong case against his suitability for the role. He has almost no experience of captaincy, has been criticised for batting with a selfish streak and is the kind of flamboyant talent who has traditionally struggled with the job. As Mike Atherton points out, you need only look at similar characters such as Andrew Flintoff and Ian Botham for evidence of that.

That said, he hardly faced fierce competition for the position. Andrew Strauss was considered - and backed by a poll of Times readers  - but he has been inconsistent since reclaiming his England place. Alastair Cook was in contention yet, at 23, he was the youngest member of the side that lost the third Test to South Africa. Robert Key was also considered but he has not represented England for three years.

Was Pietersen, then, picked because he is the only player guaranteed a place in both England's Test and  limited-overs side? Will he succeed regardless? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.