Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Joe Root Welcomes Kevin Pietersen’s England Return as Mentor
Kevin Pietersen is returning to England’s cricket team as a special mentor.
He will work with the teams that play shorter matches.
Joe Root, England’s captain, is happy about the appointment.
Root said Pietersen helped him learn how to bat against spin when Root was starting his international career.
Root believes Pietersen can now help other players in a similar way.
Pietersen is known for sharing strong opinions about cricket.
England wants him to be honest and bring energy to the team.
England is also preparing for its final Test against Pakistan and is trying to focus on its own plans.
Kevin Pietersen has been appointed specialist mentor to England’s white-ball teams ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Joe Root said Pietersen helped him improve his batting against spin during England’s 2012 tour of India.
Root praised Pietersen’s knowledge, honesty and energy, saying his involvement could benefit the team.
Pietersen’s international career ended acrimoniously in 2014 after 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is.
England are focusing on their own preparation for the final Test against Pakistan despite changes in Pakistan’s squad and coaching set-up.
- Who
- Kevin Pietersen has returned to England’s national cricket set-up as a specialist mentor, with Joe Root welcoming the appointment.
- What
- Pietersen will mentor England’s white-ball teams, while England prepares for a final Test against Pakistan.
- When
- Pietersen’s appointment was announced on Monday, and Root discussed it on Tuesday; the final Test is upcoming.
- Where
- The mentoring role concerns England’s national teams; Root recalled working with Pietersen during England’s 2012 tour of India.
- Why
- England appointed Pietersen to provide expertise and guidance, while the team is preparing for the ODI World Cup and its Test against Pakistan.
- New role
- Specialist mentor for England’s white-ball sides
- Major target
- Next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa
- Root’s connection
- Root played with Pietersen early in his international career
- Pietersen’s international record
- 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is
- International career
- Pietersen’s career ended acrimoniously in 2014
- Current Test focus
- England is preparing for the final Test against Pakistan