NOTTINGHAM: Kevin Pietersen's start to his reign as England captain could hardly have gone better. Yet, it 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 today. "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."