Kevin Pietersen [ Images ] was named England's [ Images ] stand-in captain for the next four limited-overs internationals, following the ICC's [ Images ] decision to ban Paul Collingwood [ Images ].

Collingwood was given a four-match ban by cricket's governing body for England's slow over rate during Wednesday's one-day defeat to New Zealand [ Images ].

Pietersen will captain England in Saturday's series final against the Kiwis, as well as three matches in August -- a one-day international against Scotland, a Twenty20 [ Images ] international against South Africa [ Images ] and one ODI against South Africa.

Pietersen, who was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg near Durban but has an English mother, has had a fractious relationship with South Africa captain Graeme Smith [ Images ].

In his book, Crossing the Boundary, the flamboyant batsman described Smith as "childish" after the latter criticized Pietersen's decision to represent England.