Kevin Pietersen provides cure for post-Michael Vaughan blues

Andrew Strauss' Test diary for series between England and South Africa. SUNDAY Woke up feeling deflated after Graeme Smith's superb century saw South Africa home in a difficult run chase. My mood was worsened by rumours circulating on breakfast TV that Michael Vaughan may be resigning from the captaincy. After texting him and finding out that the rumours were true, I watched as events unfolded and Michael gave his final press conference as captain. It was clearly emotional for him, but also for me to see the end of his reign. It was impossible not to think back on all we had been through over his five years in charge and remember all he had done to make the team successful. He was without doubt the best captain I ever played under, having a unique ability to take pressure off his team, advocating enjoying the challenge while... [read full story]