Pietersen rules out captaincy

Cricket: Kevin Pietersen has ruled himself out of the running for the England one-day captaincy ahead of tomorrow's announcement…

Cricket:Kevin Pietersen has ruled himself out of the running for the England one-day captaincy ahead of tomorrow's announcement of Michael Vaughan's replacement.

Vaughan retired as one-day captain on Monday, after failing to score a century in 86 one-day appearances, but decided to remain on as Test skipper.

Paul Collingwood is favourite to replace him but Pietersen, along with Andrew Strauss, was expected to push him close.

However, the Hampshire batsman insists the time is not right for him to take on the responsibility, though he would be "humbled" to take on the job in the future.

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"At this stage in my career I don't think it is the right time for me," he said today. "I thought about it long and hard but right now I am happy playing and supporting the team like that.

"I would be humbled in the future to be given the opportunity to captain my country but right now I don't think it is the right time for me.

"Whoever gets the job (when the team is announced) tomorrow will get my full support.

"It is a new era now with a new coaching staff and a good time for England to move forward."

Pietersen confirmed he has spoken with England coach Peter Moores and the selectors.

The squad for the two Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals against West Indies is due to be announced tomorrow by chairman of selectors David Graveney, who will also confirm the identity of the new captain.