Former England captain Kevin Pietersen admits he is ‘immensely proud’ to join Brendon McCullum’s white-ball team as a specialist mentor.
The 46-year-old joins a coaching team that also includes former England opener Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor.
Pietersen will be part of McCullum’s white-ball set-up for the T20 international and ODI series with Sri Lanka, which will take place later on this month.
And the appointment is part of a wider build-up to plans for the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Respect for KP
McCullum said on Sky Sports: “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.”
World Cup winner
Pietersen won the T20 World Cup as an England player, racking up 136 ODIs and 37 T20 matches, so has a wealth of white-ball experience to pass on to captain Harry Brook and his squad.
He will be involved in England’s white-ball tours to Australia and South Africa this winter – then join up with the teams again for the summer series against Pakistan and New Zealand on home soil in 2027.
Special moment
Pietersen said on Sky Sports: “I’m 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.”
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Michael Davey