Warne fears Pieterson as captain wouldn't keep his feet on ground

Melbourne, Aug 5 (UNI) Concerned over the ascendency of his close friend Kevin Pieterson as England captain, Australian spin legend Shane Warne said this may be a testing time for the flamboyant batsman to keep his feet grounded.

''My biggest worry (with Pietersen) is that he gets a bit far above himself and doesn't keep his feet on the ground,'' Warne was quoted as saying by 'The Daily Telegraph'.

''He has got to remember who his friends are. If he keeps that in mind, he will be all right. He has as much talent as anyone that has ever played the game," Warne said.

Pietersen was named England's Test and One-day captain yesterday after the resignations of Michael Vaughan and Paul Collinghood, following a defeat against South Africa.

Warne said England would miss Vaughan's leadership, that won them the 2005 Ashes, when the two teams square up for next year's Ashes.

''Vaughan is crucial for England to regain the Ashes next year because he is such a good captain,'' Warne said.

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