England paceman Jofra Archer has welcomed the addition of Kevin Pietersen to England’s white-ball set-up as a specialist mentor, saying ‘he’s a legend of the game’.
Pietersen has made an emotional return to the England set-up after being appointed by head coach Brendon McCullum.
The former England captain will work with the white-ball squad during the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka, as McCullum begins to shape his plans for the 2027 Cricket World Cup in Africa.
For Pietersen, the opportunity represents a return to the England environment for the first time since his international career ended in 2014.
“I’m immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa,” Pietersen said.
“Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment.”
England fast bowler Archer, speaking on Sky Sports ahead of England’s third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, hailed the appointment.
“He’s a legend of the game,” he said. “It will be great to have him around the group.”
‘I cannot wait to get started’
Pietersen brings a wealth of international white-ball experience to McCullum’s coaching group.
The 46-year-old played 136 ODIs and 37 T20 internationals for England and was part of the side that won the T20 World Cup.
Now, his focus will be on helping England’s current generation of players, including captain Harry Brook, unlock their potential ahead of the 2027 tournament.
“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,” Pietersen said.
“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 will work alongside a coaching group that includes former England opener Marcus Trescothick, former New Zealand captain Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor.
McCullum: ‘Immense respect for KP’
McCullum believes Pietersen’s experience and understanding of elite-level cricket can give England’s batters an important advantage.
“I’ve got immense respect for KP and what he’s achieved in the game,” McCullum said on Sky Sports.
“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.”
McCullum is particularly excited about the prospect of Pietersen working directly with 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,” he said.
The England head coach also revealed that his relationship with Pietersen made the appointment a natural fit.
“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 preparations begin
Pietersen’s appointment is part of a longer-term plan to build towards the 2027 World Cup, which will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
His involvement is expected to continue beyond the Sri Lanka series, with Pietersen set to work with England during their white-ball tours of Australia and South Africa this winter.
He will then return to the set-up for the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand in 2027.
For a player whose England career was defined by his huge personality, aggressive batting and appetite for the biggest occasions, Pietersen’s return marks a significant new chapter.
This time, however, he will be looking to influence England’s next generation from the other side of the boundary rope – with a World Cup firmly in his sights.
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