Kevin Pietersen is to join the England men's white-ball teams as a specialist mentor in the build-up to next year's Cricket World Cup in Africa. Pietersen will join head coach Brendon McCullum's white-ball setup for the T20 international and ODI series' against Sri Lanka later this month, part of a coaching team that also includes Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor. The former England captain said of his appointment: "I'm immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa.
"Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment. "We have an incredibly talented white-ball squad, and I am excited to get in the trenches and work relentlessly hard with these players to maximise their potential. "To be a part of Brendon's think tank over the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player McCullum said: "I've got immense respect for KP and what he's achieved in the game.
He's had an amazing impact on English cricket, so for someone with his experience, knowledge and stature to want to play a role with this team is a fantastic result. "I'm particularly excited for our batters to get the opportunity to work with him. KP has a unique understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level, which will be hugely valuable to our players.
We've always respected each other and had a strong appreciation for what the other brings to the game, so I'm really looking forward to working together." Pietersen will be involved in England's winter's white-ball tours to Australia and South Africa, before joining up with the teams again for the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand next summer, as well as the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The former Ashes and T20 World Cup winner played 136 ODIs and 37 T20 matches for England, scoring more than 5,500 runs, adding another 8,181 runs across his 104 Test match appearances. Pietersen has previously worked as a mentor for Delhi Capitals during the 2025 Indian Premier League.
Watch England's third Test against Pakistan, from Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Wednesday September 9 (11am first ball). Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
