Alastair Cook has tipped new one-day opener Kevin Pietersen to emulate the iconic Australian Matthew Hayden.
Pietersen has been promoted up the order to open with Cook in the 50-over format, as part of England's new early attacking philosophy with the bat.
England's one-day skipper believes that his new partner has what it takes to flourish in his new role.
Cook said: "He's excited about it, I'm excited about it, and when he's in full flow in the powerplay, it's going to be hard to stop him.
"KP is unique but he's certainly got the class, he averages 50 in Test cricket and 40 in ODIs.
"He's a world-class player and to make the most of those first ten overs with two new balls you need a world-class player with a world-class technique. He's certainly got the power.
"I don't want to compare him to Matthew Hayden but you need people at the top who can play like that."
Pietersen has also received the backing of wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter.
Robert Summerscales
