KEVIN PIETERSEN was stepping back into the international arena this afternoon with praise from England coach Duncan Fletcher ringing in his ears.

The 24-year-old Hampshire batsman has been a massive plus of England's current one-day series against South Africa.

He struck his maiden England ODI ton last week - an unbeaten 108 - and top scored with 75 in Sunday's defeat which left England trailing 2-1 in the series ahead of this afternoon's fifth match in the seven-game series in East London.

Fletcher has been impressed with the attitude of Pietersen who has taken his chance this winter in the face of local hostility.

The hard-hitting top-order batsman, born and raised in South Africa, has played with the confidence to suggest he will cut it at the highest level, having only made his bow against Zimbabwe before Christmas.

"It is very nice to see him like he has been," said Fletcher. "We spoke about it before the first match that we needed to support him.

"We knew both the South African players and the South African public were going to have a go at him, even the scoreboard went against him, which I found very strange, the other night.

"It was interesting to see he has come through that and it has not affected him.

"In fact it has probably played right into his hands.

"It might be what he needs to motivate him - it could be a really good sign for teams we are going to play in the future.

"He likes that sort of challenge - and it is good to see him play so positively."

Fletcher, meanwhile, will continue to mastermind England's one-day strategy towards the 2007 World Cup after giving short shrift to rumours which linked him to the South Africa job.

Zimbabwean Fletcher, in his sixth year in charge, believes England's current personnel will come through with success under his leadership, after categorically stating he has no interest in applying for the position which will be advertised next week.

Although Fletcher lives in Cape Town, he said he had no interest in the permanent SA coaching position which becomes available when Ray Jennings' temporary charge ends in May.

"I am not applying for anything, I am with the England side," Fletcher said.

"England have been very good to me and as far as I am concerned the team has been good to me.

"I am with England and staying within the bubble of England cricket."