Root says England have changed since Pietersen’s 2014 departure
Kevin Pietersen has joined England’s white-ball coaching staff as a mentor ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Joe Root says England are “very different” from the team Kevin Pietersen left in 2014, after the former batter joined Brendon McCullum’s white-ball coaching staff as a mentor.
Pietersen will begin working with England during their series against Sri Lanka, as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup. The precise scope and duration of his role have not been provided.
Root, the only current England Test player to have played alongside Pietersen, welcomed the appointment and said the former batter’s experience and knowledge could make a significant contribution.
Pietersen’s international career ended after England’s 5-0 Ashes defeat in 2013–14. He was later ruled out of a return amid what was described as a “trust issue”.
Pietersen scored 13,779 international runs for England, with only Root and Alastair Cook scoring more. Root said Pietersen had supported him extensively when he was a young England player, helping him develop confidence in his own game.
Root is due to captain England in the third Test against Pakistan. His assessment of the current team reflects his experience alongside Pietersen but remains a personal view of how England has changed since 2014.
