Strauss admits to KP gamble
England captain Andrew Strauss believes the "calculated gamble" of opening the batting with Kevin Pietersen could give his side the advantage they need to do well in the World Cup.
England open their Group B campaign against Holland in Nagpur on Tuesday and Strauss has backed Pietersen to shine in his new role.
He told BBC 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "We thought about it in Australia. In the sub-continent the first 10 or 15 overs is always the best time to bat. We thought it would be a spur to him to take the World Cup by storm."
He added: "It could work in our favour and put opposition teams under pressure. We have learned from past World Cups where we have been a bit conservative.
"It's a bit of a calculated gamble on our part, but Kevin is capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck without taking huge risks."
