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England International

Kevin Pietersen has given Owais Shah a licence to play at the top of the order in England's one-day squad.

Middlesex batsman Shah has played the majority of his 41 one-day internationals for England in the middle order, with previous regimes believing his wristy style of strokeplay was ideal for the latter part of the innings.

But Pietersen's first big decision as captain of all England's senior teams has been to install the talented Shah at number three to allow him to reach his full potential at the top level.

"Owais is going to bat at number three for the simple fact that I think he was wasted at number seven," explained Pietersen.

"He's a high-scoring, quick-scoring cricket player who plays cricket shots to get boundaries and I think down the order he was wasted.

"When he's played for us, he's always done really well. He got a one-day hundred against India last year and has got runs this year and I am going to give him the confidence to bat at number three with myself at number four.

"I haven't thought about the Twenty20 side yet but there's definitely a strong case for Owais getting a good opportunity to bat and play long innings for England."

Shah's only two innings at number three for England's one-day side were far from successful after he scored four and nought against India two years ago.

But Pietersen is happy to give him another opportunity as he attempts to restore the fortunes of a side who have won just five of their last 16 one-day internationals.

They had hoped to get another triumph under their belts on Monday in the inaugural one-day international against Scotland at The Grange, but chasing an adjusted victory target of 159, the game was washed out after just 2.3 overs of their reply.

But Pietersen was happy enough with the performance as he attempts to identify clear roles for each player as they prepare for the start of the NatWest series, which begins with a Twenty20 International at Chester-le-Street tomorrow followed by five one-day matches.