Former England cricket coach Duncan Fletcher believes Kevin Pietersen's selection as short-term captain could affect his batting.

Pietersen was chosen to lead the one-day team while Paul Collingwood serves a four-match ban as punishment for slow over rates.

But Fletcher fears Pietersen may not contribute as many runs while he carries extra responsibility.

Fletcher said: "I'm not sure if Kevin Pietersen should be captain at this stage of his career.

"He's a free spirit, just look at that superb switch-hit at Chester-le-Street, and I'm worried the added pressures of leadership will affect the way he bats.

"For me, Andrew Strauss should have been picked and should have been captain."

Fletcher also criticised the current England team's failure to beat New Zealand in their latest one-day series. He believes Lancashire bowler Sajid Mahmood deserves another chance to show what he can do.

He added: "The bowlers should have had the nous to work out what was required.

"England also need someone in there with the raw pace to blast batters out, but a guy like Sajid Mahmood is getting lost in the system."

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