NEW DELHI: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has made a shocking return to the England set-up as he has been named the ‘specialist mentor’ of the white-ball English side.
Twelve years after his international career came to a controversial end, Pietersen will be back in the England set-up as he joins Brendon McCullum’s coaching staff, with his tenure beginning with the white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka later in September.
“I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa,” Pietersen said on taking the role. “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 has previously worked with Delhi Capitals as the mentor in the Indian Premier League and was briefly associated with the Three Lions’ batters in early 2023.
McCullum welcomed the move, stating that he is “excited” to have Pietersen in the role for the batters. “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.
