By Justin Langer Former Australia batsman and Somerset captain

He is, quite simply, an unbelievably gifted player who I would have in my team any day of the week

Newly appointed captain Kevin Pietersen would have been sitting in The Oval changing room, smoking a cigar, celebrating his 100% record as England's Test skipper and thinking this captaincy lark is a pretty good one.

With another century to his name, and the adulation that comes with victory, it's hard to see how life could get any better for Pietersen.

It is said that fortune favours the brave and England's selectors should be applauded for their bold appointment last week.

Sure, there would have been a few raised eyebrows, but frankly anything away from conservative is usually met with some hesitation in certain circles of English cricket.

In my view, it is bold and aggressive cricket England need to get back to where they aspire to be in the scheme of the international game - and Pietersen is definitely the epitome of boldness and aggression.

Initially I, like many, were surprised by the events of last week. For me, it wasn't so much Pietersen's appointment, more the resignation of Michael Vaughan and then one-day captain Paul Collingwood.

Both have been faithful and relatively successful servants to English cricket, so I was blown away when they walked from the top jobs.

But I was amazed the selectors showed such gallant commitment to one of the most fearless - yet fearful - combatants currently playing international cricket.

The reason Pietersen is feared by so many bowlers and captains around the globe is because of his audacious belief in himself when he has a cricket bat in his hands.

He is, quite simply, an unbelievably gifted player who I would have in my team any day of the week.

He is hardly liked by the Australian cricket team - but that is because he is so good. The less someone is liked by the Australians, the greater respect they are usually held in, and earned respect is worth all the gold in the world.

(Pietersen) will have to learn on his feet and lean on people he trusts to develop into a great leader

There is no doubt he has earned the respect of his team-mates as a batsman because he is the best player in the team and one of the best in the world.

His next step will be to earn the respect of his mates as a person and as a leader who can stand up under pressure, who will back his team to do the job regardless of the circumstances.

The two best captains I had the privilege to play with were Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. The reason these two were so good was because they are exemplary role models both on and off the field.

On the field, they play hard, respect the game and have both performed brilliantly with the bat over long periods of time.

For much of their tenures as captain, both were regarded in the top two or three batsmen in the world.

Off the field they are brutally honest, live consummate professional lifestyles and are people who I wouldn't blink to stand in the trenches with day in, day out.

Because of these strong leadership traits, they had a team who held them in such esteem that their unconditional support would see them running through brick walls if it was required to get the job done.

606: DEBATE Pietersen seems to want to involve his team-mates (particularly the bowlers) in the decision-making process C_Hucker

Unlike Steve Waugh and Punter (Ponting), Pietersen hasn't necessarily served a long leadership apprenticeship to earn this respect as a leader.

Steve Waugh not only played under Allan Border, he acted as Mark Taylor's vice-captain before taking over the reigns for himself.

Equally, Ponting played under Mark Taylor and served his apprenticeship as Tugga's right-hand man for some time before he was anointed to one of the highest posts in Australian society.

This doesn't mean Kevin Pietersen won't be a success, but it means he will have to learn on his feet and lean on people he trusts to develop into a great leader.

He will take enormous confidence out of the last five days, but the real test will come for him when the pressure is really on.

I sincerely hope he does well because I have always found him to be a very respectful person who works extremely hard on his game and who bats so well I would pay money to watch him play.

From Taunton,

JL