Kevin Pietersen is England's most productive ODI batsman

He said: "It's something I've thought about long and hard but it's not the right time for me to do it.

"Now is the time for me to be doing team stuff - playing and supporting."

England will name their new one-day captain on Friday, with all-rounder Paul Collingwood now clear favourite to take over from Michael Vaughan.

News conference: Kevin Pietersen

Interview: Boycott backs Pietersen

Pietersen is ranked the number one batsman in the world in one-day internationals.

The Hampshire man was considered by some pundits as the more progressive choice of captain after Vaughan resigned from the role on Monday.

We haven't won too many one-day trophies and one-day game has been neglected Kevin Pietersen

But the 26-year-old, the choice of both Darren Gough and Geoffrey Boycott, said: "At this stage of my career, I've only played 50-odd one-day internationals and 20 or 30 Tests.

"I would be humbled in future to be given the opportunity to captain my country but not now.

"Whoever does get the job will get my full support. It's a new era, with new coaching staff and a good time for England cricket to go forward."

Asked at a Vodafone event if he had spoken to England's selectors about the captaincy, he said: "It's something that's been mentioned, but I've pretty much answered it."

606: DEBATE It's a shame. I would have liked to see Pietersen given a chance BD

He said he hoped the one-day game would assume more significance within English cricket after 15 years of failure.

"We haven't won too many one-day trophies and the one-day game has been neglected.

"It's been Test match, Test match, Test match. It's very important that everyone buys into winning and it's going to be a heck of a job."