Mr Trimble's most dangerous internal opponent is his own deputy, John Taylor, the man whose vote of no confidence destroyed a previous power-sharing agreement and unseated a previous Ulster Unionist leader, Brian Faulkner, in 1974.

ECONOMIST: Trimble��s gamble

Pietersen's impressive man-management skills have extended to the batting order, with Owais Shah given confidence to bat in his favoured number three behind an opening pair of Ian Bell and recalled wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

BBC: England's Indian challenge