Eoin Morgan: 'Kevin Pietersen crucial for England'

England stand-in captain Eoin Morgan has heaped praise on batsman Kevin Pietersen amid their five-match one-day series with Australia.

The Three Lions have decided to rest Alastair Cook, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Ian Bell following their 3-0 Ashes victory over the Baggy Greens earlier this summer.

However, Morgan is relieved to have some experience among the squad in the form of Pietersen.

"Kev offers a hell of a lot as a senior player and as a batsman," Morgan told reporters.

"He leads by example, the confidence in which he goes about his business. People rub off on it and it's crucial."

The first one-day international starts on Friday at Headingley.