Kevin Pietersen returns to England set-up as white-ball specialist mentor
Pietersen will work with England’s white-ball coaching staff through to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, beginning with the Sri Lanka T20I series.
Kevin Pietersen has joined England’s white-ball coaching staff as a specialist mentor through to the 2027 Cricket World Cup in Africa.
The former England batter is due to link up with the squad ahead of Tuesday’s first T20I against Sri Lanka in Southampton. Sky Sports reported the appointment on Monday.
Batting coach Marcus Trescothick said Pietersen was “buzzing” to return to the England set-up and could bring additional batting expertise, variety and “a little more spark” to the side.
Trescothick and Pietersen were team-mates in England’s 2005 Ashes-winning side. Pietersen retired from international cricket in 2018 after a career that included England’s 2010 T20 World Cup victory.
His return comes after a difficult period with the England and Wales Cricket Board, including his departure from the England set-up in 2014 and later criticism of the team’s preparation.
England have recently won T20 and ODI series, and Trescothick said the coaching staff would be responsible for drawing out the best from Pietersen under head coach Brendon McCullum.
