Kevin Pietersen returns to England as specialist white-ball mentor ahead of 2027 World Cup

The useful part

Photo: AFP Kevin Pietersen has joined England's white-ball coaching team as a "specialist mentor" in the build-up to next year's World Cup in southern Africa. Pietersen's role with Brendon McCullum's coaching staff begins later this month when England face Sri Lanka in three T20 internationals and three ODIs. The former England batter has previously worked as a mentor with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and briefly assisted England's batters during an ODI series in South Africa in 2023.

How it works

• Pietersen will miss England's ODI tri-series in Pakistan in October but will work with the squad on tours of Australia and South Africa over the winter.
• "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." --> facebook --> twitter --> whatsup --> linkded...
• He criticised McCullum's team for what he described as a relaxed training culture during their tour of India in early 2025, comments McCullum rejected as "factually incorrect".
• He will then be involved in home series against Pakistan and New Zealand before the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

What to take from it

He joins former England team-mate Marcus Trescothick, as well as Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor, in McCullum's coaching staff. Strauss had also revealed at the time that Pietersen declined an offer to become a white-ball adviser. Despite the acrimonious ending, Pietersen has remained popular among several England players, including Harry Brook, Tom Banton and Will Jacks.

Example or evidence

• McCullum welcomed the reunion, saying Pietersen's experience and understanding of elite cricket would be particularly valuable to England's batters.
• "KP has a unique understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level, which will be hugely valuable to our players," McCullum said.
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Details worth keeping

Africa would provide valuable local knowledge ahead of the tournament. "Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a honour and a deeply special moment." Pietersen and McCullum faced each other 24 times in international cricket between 2007 and 2013 and later spent two seasons together at Pakistan Super League side Quetta Gladiators. Your comment will be displayed after the approval.

Related coverage

• Cricinfo: Former England batter ends decade-long split with ECB as he joins McCullum's set-up ahead of ODI World Cup
• Cricketaddictor: England have brought former batting great Kevin Pietersen into their white-ball setup as a specialist mentor ahead of next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
• Channelnewsasia: Pietersen back in England colours as mentor in build-up to 2027 World Cup
• Thecricketpaper: ENGLAND HAVE appointed former Ashes-winning batter Kevin Pietersen to their white-ball coaching team ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.