Kevin Pietersen's start to his reign as England captain is about to get another boost according to the man himself.

Pietersen has led England in two completed matches since replacing Michael Vaughan as permanent captain and has collected two victories and two man-of-the-match awards.

His 14th Test hundred was the key component of victory over South Africa at Lord's earlier this month and an unbeaten 90 allied to two wickets at Headingley helped open up a 1-0 advantage in the one-day NatWest Series.

And England will welcome back former captain Paul Collingwood for the second match of five at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

"The start has gone very well for me personally but from a captaincy point of view the players have been absolutely brilliant," said Pietersen.

"All the guys have created such a good environment.

"You never know how people will take the change on, but it has been taken on by everybody in such a positive manner.

"I have just tried to drum into them the way I want us to play and they have accepted that in the best possible way."

Collingwood, 32, is likely to replace either Luke Wright or Ravi Bopara from the side which won by 20 runs in Leeds on Friday.

"The team definitely strengthens with Colly coming back in," Pietersen said.

"He will bat at six, bowl his medium pace and field at backward point, and he has 150 games of one-day international experience.

"So to have him back with the ability he has got, and that kind of experience, is an extra boost as well."

South Africa are hoping to get the Morkel brothers back as soon as possible, and both will continue their fitness trials in practice today.

Fast bowler Morne Morkel (side strain) bowled half-a-dozen overs in the Trent Bridge nets yesterday while all-rounder Albie Morkel continues to struggle with a right shoulder injury.

The former is the likelier of the siblings to make it for the day-nighter, although he is far from assured of doing so following his side strain.

"Morne bowled the equivalent of six overs in the nets in two spells of four overs and two overs," said Proteas assistant coach Vincent Barnes.

"He was only operating at about 50% of his capacity, so we will have to step him up quite a bit if he is to make Tuesday's second match.

"Albie has also made significant progress. He took a complete part in the batting and fielding drills but at this stage is only bowling with a tennis ball under the direction of (physio) Shane Jabaar. Again, Monday will be an important session for him."