'We aim to become the best Test team in the world'

Kevin Pietersen has predicted that England's great form will continue and they will comfortably win the Test series in South Africa in December.

"It's not pleasant being on the receiving end but to go to South Africa and reach the semi-finals on the bouncing wickets there has been exceptional," the Daily Star quoted former England skipper Pietersen, as saying.

"We aim to become the best Test team in the world and, after beating Australia to win the Ashes, we go to South Africa confident that we can beat a very good team.

"We have to work hard to keep up the consistency needed to be the best in the world but I'm positive we can achieve that," he added.

Pietersen, 29, missed most of the Ashes series after suffering an Achilles injury. But he seems determined to be fit for the series in the land of his birth.

"The injury is coming along well and I'm still hopeful I can join the boys. I have been out since July 22 and it has been hard for me but I've been able to do things I've not been able to do for five years – like spend time with my family," he said.