Pietersen buoyed by England spirit

Kevin Pietersen is hoping to latch on to the new-found optimism among England's squad and make a major impression at his first World Cup.

Pietersen was frustrated when a rib injury forced him out of the Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia but he is delighted the feel-good factor from England's win remains.

"There is a definite difference around the squad," confirmed Pietersen. "To win a trophy abroad, especially against Australia, and come back after a few weeks off and get the batteries recharged is great. The boys have smiles on their faces, there's a different feel."

He added: "There is a lot more joking around and messing about and a lot more positives.

"There weren't too many positives when I was out there nine or 10 weeks into the trip and we kept getting hammered all the time, so it was totally different."