Former England captain Mike Gatting believes Kevin Pietersen can be a modern-day Ian Botham in his new World Cup opening position.

Having deposed Steven Davies in the squad, wicketkeeper Matt Prior was favourite to partner Andrew Strauss at the top of the order, while Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott also had their supporters.

Gatting feels promoting the South African-born star to the top of the order could be an inspired decision, citing the job the big-hitting Botham performed in limited-overs cricket.

“It’s interesting to see KP opening because we weren’t quite sure what the coach was going to do with that position,” Gatting said.

“It’s a very interesting step to take and it will be a talking point, but looking back to when I played one-day cricket, we used to open with Ian Botham.

“He is talented, can hit the ball through the field and over the top. He can really give impetus."

Gatting feels the apparent decision to abandon the long-standing notion of opening with a gloveman – a move popularised by Australia legend Adam Gilchrist – is a good one.

“What you want in the one-day stuff is for your best players to get in quickly and for a long time,” he added. “You put your keeper up there and you can end up with a specialist batsman not getting as long at the crease.

“If Kevin gets going early then he has 50 overs to bat and it will be damaging for the opposition if he stays in.”