Kevin Pietersen appointed as specialist mentor for England white-ball teams

Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as a “specialist mentor” to England’s white-ball teams during the run-up to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in late 2027.

Announced on Monday morning, the move marks the first time Pietersen will have worked with the senior England side since he was controversially sacked as a player in the wake of the 2013/14 Ashes whitewash in Australia.

Pietersen, 46, will be part of Brendon McCullum’s backroom staff for the next year, starting with the white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka in September, and will continue through to the 50-over World Cup in Southern Africa.

McCullum, still in charge of the white-ball set-up despite losing his Test role this summer, 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 said: “I am 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.”

Pietersen will join assistant coaches Marcus Trescothick and Jeetan Patel, with Sarah Taylor also part of the set-up as a fielding/wicketkeeping specialist and Tim Southee overseeing the fast bowlers.

The ECB statement added: “Having grown up in South Africa, Pietersen’s knowledge and understanding will particularly help the One Day International team as it prepares for next year’s World Cup which is being played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.”