Pietersen the key as England head for semis

Kevin Pietersen has regained his form at the perfect time for England

Since he burst onto the International scene back in November 2004, Kevin Pietersen has gathered a reputation of being England's best thing since sliced bread. Now, 5 and a half years on, Pietersen is relighting the fire that saw him smash a triplet of hundreds against the country of his birth in his first high profile International series.

As the England team seemingly embarks on an exciting new era under ex-Zimbabwean Test and ODI batsman Andy Flower, Pietersen is determined to remain the linchpin of the top order. An impressive start to the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean has got the 29-year old smiling again, after 9 months of battling injury and form. During that short period of time, pundits spoke about the 'Pietersen of old'. The Pietersen who used to stride arrogantly to the crease and swat away anything the bowlers threw up for him. The Pietersen who would look so imposing and confident in his upright stance and domineering aura. That Pietersen was lost for a while under a blanket of self-doubt and confusion, but now he's back.

England's latest win in Barbados, coming against a powerful South African lineup, epitomises the transition that is taking part in the camp. From being a timid, lacklustre Twenty20 outfit, Flower has transformed his team into an aggressive, fearless unit, in no small part down to the inclusion of Craig Kieswetter, Michael Lumb, and Michael Yardy. Kieswetter and Lumb have provided firepower at the top of the order, signified by 2 of the highest powerplay scores for any side in this tournament. Whilst neither have gone on to make a substantial contribution, Lumb has often got the innings off to a flyer, and a tournament strike-rate of 152.17 is reflective of that. Kieswetter has been a touch more sedate, but a workmanlike 41 against SA proved to be crucial, in a partnership worth 94 with Pietersen.

As for Yardy, he's added a subtle balance to the side, and despite being an opening bat for Sussex (where he is also captain), he's found a new birth at number 8 for the national side. However, it's been his bowling that has been the real talking point amongst fans of this unorthodox left-hander. His first over of the victory against Pakistan was smacked for 12, and needless to say Collingwood had seen enough. That was until a few overs later when he brought Yardy back on, faith that was repaid with a fantastic spell of 3-0-7-2 (final figures of 4-0-19-2). It says a lot about Yardy's temperament for him to produce such a spell under pressure.

Despite the new faces in the England ranks, the fundamentals of the team have remained. Pietersen at 3, captain Collingwood in the middle order - able to switch gears with ease - Eoin Morgan and Luke Wright at 5 and 6 giving England much firepower in the final overs. The one grey area for me would be the inclusion of Tim Bresnan in the side. Batting at 7, Bresnan looks out of his depth, and wickets aren't a formality with the big Yorkshireman. Perhaps there would be room for James Anderson in the team, with Yardy, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann all pushed up one in the order. 

Nevertheless, this is an impressive England outfit, and a far cry from the team of the past. The likes of Ian Bell, Ed Joyce and the retired Michael Vaughan seem in a different class from the exciting, youthful exuberance that the 2010 England side portray. New Zealand are England's next obstacle in the World Twenty20, and a win would see them top the group with a 100% record. England's quest to win a first global tournament is well on its way, and who would bet against them this time?