London, June 21:

Kevin Pietersen ruled himself out of the running to be England’s new one-day captain following Michael Vaughan’s decision to concentrate on Tests.

Pietersen had been backed for the role by pundits including Geoffrey Boycott but was regarded as less likely to be given the job than either Paul Collingwood or Andrew Strauss.

Pietersen said that he did not feel ready to take on the additional responsibility involved in captaincy. “At this stage I don’t think it is the right time for me.”

“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 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 has informed England coach Peter Moores and the selectors of his decision.