Former bowler Bob Willis has urged England to promote Kevin Pietersen to bat at three for the remainder of the Ashes following Jonathan Trott's withdrawal.

It was announced on Monday that Trott will take no further part in the series after flying home to begin his recovery from a "stress-related" illness.

Ian Bell has been tipped to move up the order from five to fill his number-three berth, but Willis, who took 325 Test wickets for England at an average of 25.20, has encouraged their regular number four and "best player" Pietersen to take on the extra responsibility of facing the new ball.

Willis told Sky Sports News: "Bell's record is much better down at five and six. He's clearly comfortable there as Pietersen is at four.

"Historically the best batsman batted at three. He could be in second ball of the match so he's got to have good enough technique to play against the new ball. If he goes in at 170-1 he can completely destroy a flagging attack - that was the old theory.

"Who's England's best player? Kevin Pietersen. But he won't have any truck with batting at three. I don't know why, but he doesn't. Bell has been up and down the order and is comfortable at five so it's going to be disruptive whatever way they go."

Joe Root, who batted at six in the 381-run defeat to Australia in the first Test at Brisbane, is another candidate to take Trott's spot, with Jonny Bairstow favourite to replace the Warwickshire man in the team.