Kevin Pietersen, having been confirmed as the man to oust veteran Graham Thorpe in England's middle order, immediately set himself the fresh challenge of rewarding his adopted country with Ashes runs.

In preferring Pietersen in a 12-man squad for the first Test against Australia at Lord's next week, the selectors have gone for destructive potential over the tried-andtested solidity offered by 35-year-old Thorpe.

Even so, Pietersen is in no doubt he will have a tough act to follow when he walks out at No 5 in front of a packed house at HQ next week.

"I have big shoes to fill in Graham Thorpe's. He has been a great cricketer for England and could still be," said the 25-year-old.

"I now have the opportunity to cement my place and reward the people for selecting me."

Pietersen added: "I am delighted. I said I would be the happiest man in the UK and when I got the call, it was a special feeling. I am as delighted as you can get."

A welter of limited-overs internationals runs for England in his native South Africa last winter first put Pietersen in the spotlight, but it is thought his battling 74 in a losing cause in Tuesday's NatWest Challenge decider against Australia at The Oval clinched his Test call-up.

Pietersen acknowledges he was well aware much was at stake in that innings - and therefore approached it with an extra resolve.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself. For the first time for England, going into the game I was really nervous. Thank goodness, I got a few runs," he said.

Pietersen can be forgiven if there are a few more nerves next week too, but is intent on containing them.

"I keep things very simple," he said. "I am going to play my natural game - and if it comes off, it comes off. If not, I hope to get another go."

Chairman of selectors David Graveney, meanwhile, is reflecting on a decision he believes the selectors have got right - after much deliberation.

"We are looking to beat Australia and the selection of Kevin Pietersen gives us a better chance," he said.

"We had to make the decision against someone vastly experienced and with a great Test record in Graham Thorpe and in favour of an up-and-coming young player. In the end, the value to the team of Kevin Pietersen was the deciding factor."

Graveney paid tribute to Thorpe for his understanding - even though many will be saying it marks the end of a Test career which brought the Surrey left-hander 100 caps.

"I spoke to Graham before Kevin, and he realised it was going to be a close call," Graveney said.

Graveney insisted Thorpe's Test career is not necessarily over but the Surrey batsman has indicated this summer would be his last in international cricket.

Pietersen will be joined in the squad by Hampshire team-mate Chris Tremlett, while Warwickshire's highlyrated batsman Ian Bell can also prepare for his first Ashes Test.