London, August 4:

Kevin Pietersen’s remarkable career took its latest and arguably most dramatic turn today when he was named England cricket captain.

The South African-born batsman will lead England in Test, one-day and Twenty20 matches, starting with the fourth Test against South Africa this week.

The appointment came a day after Michael Vaughan’s sudden resignation and caps a remarkable rise for the 28-year-old Pietersen. Picked ahead of the reliable Graham Thorpe, who was one of just eight Englishmen to play 100 Tests for his country, Pietersen made his debut in the opening Test against

Australia with a pair of half centuries. He then smashed 158 in the final Test at to earn the draw that clinched England the Ashes series after 16 years. Collingwood followed Vaughan and resigned as ODI captain on Sunday, clearing the way for one on-field leader to take over in all forms of the game.