New England batting coach Graham Gooch has backed out-of-form Kevin Pietersen to start firing on all cylinders again soon ahead of the Test Series in South Africa (England 3/1, SA 4/7, the draw 7/2 in Betfred’s Test Series Betting market).

Pietersen has looked way short of his best since returning from injury and has only managed 85 runs in five innings so far on tour.

But Gooch has insisted patience is the key and has backed  KP to rediscover his best form soon.

Gooch said: “I think, with any player – whatever their ability level – if you’ve been out of the game with injury, you’ve got to work hard to find your way back both mentally and physically.

“Kevin has been a super performer for England since 2005. He’s been a match-winner – and I’m sure he’ll continue to be a match-winner.

“But, if you’ve been off for a while, it takes time, it’s not easy to just get yourself back into it. But, in his case, he’s been the mainstay of the England batting over the last four years – and I would expect him to continue.”

England claimed a 2-1 One-day International Series win over the Proteas on Friday after the final game was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Durban. They now begin their preparations for the First Test, which begins on December 16, with a warm-up match against a South Africa Airways XI on Wednesday.