England have added former Ashes star Kevin Pietersen to their white ball coaching staff ahead of next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup.
The 46-year-old joins as a what the ECB describe as a “specialist mentor” and he will start in the role for the upcoming T20 and one-day games against Sri Lanka. He will also be involved in this winter’s white ball tours to Australia and South Africa.
South Africa-born Pietersen became a firm fans’ favourite during his playing days, enjoying an international career that spanned a decade with a number of highs including being named player of the tournament when England won the T20 World Cup for the first time back in 2010.
England Men’s white ball head coach Brendon McCullum said of the appointment: “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.”
Pietersen himself said: “I am 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.”
