Andrew Strauss backs Kevin Pietersen to deliver best form

Former England captain Andrew Strauss has claimed that Kevin Pietersen can inspire his teammates in this summer's Ashes series.

Strauss, who won the Ashes three times as a player, had a difficult relationship with Pietersen during his time as skipper, but believes that the batsman has the ability to lead England to victory over Australia.

"He knows as well as anyone that reputations can be forged and destroyed in those seven weeks," Strauss wrote in The Times.

"Alongside his outrageous innings at The Oval in 2005, his performances in Adelaide in 2006 and 2010 stand out. In Ashes Tests he averages 52.7 - more than three runs better than his overall average.

"If England find themselves seeking inspiration this summer, expect him to deliver."

The first Test between the two sides begins at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.