Pietersen can return as England captain: Strauss

New Delhi:

England captain Andrew Strauss said his predecessor Kevin Pietersen can return as side's captain, a newspaper reported.

Strauss told Daily Express on Sunday that KP could return to the top despite his spectacular fall from grace nine months ago followed by his struggling form.

Pietersen had quit as England skipper after a show down with former coach Peter Moores in January, following a tortuous few months in charge.

However, Ashes-winning captain Strauss felt there was plenty to come from Pietersen and said his tough times would benefit him in the long run.

"He has some attributes which would make him a very good captain. He is very confident in his own abilities, has strong views on the game and has the ability to lead by example," said Strauss.

"I wouldn't rule it (KP's return as captain) out. The timing last time was not ideal because at that stage he and Peter Moores did not see eye to eye. I think what is fundamental to being a successful coach or captain is that you have a very good working relationship with each other, which they didn't have at that time," he added.

Strauss, however, said he was still keen to lead the side.

"I've been in the job now for nine or 10 months and I have thoroughly enjoyed it," he said.

"I still feel there is a huge amount more we can do in Test matches and in one-day cricket, so I'm excited and motivated by that. You have a limited shelf life but that varies from person to person. I think Michael Vaughan went out before people expected, which is a testament to how good a captain he was," he added.