Kevin Pietersen, 46, lands shock England coaching job 12 years after playing career came to controversial end

KEVIN PIETERSEN will make an extraordinary return to the England set-up as a ‘specialist mentor’. The 46-year-old will assume his role for England’s white-ball teams ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup. Kevin Pietersen on India TV media duties pitchside during the 1st ODI match between India and England Credit: Getty Pietersen makes a shock return to England 12 years after his playing career ended Credit: Getty His return comes 12 years after his international playing career came to a controversial end. Pietersen was not selected by England following a disastrous 2014 Ashes series which saw Australia secure a 5-0 whitewash. There had been rumours of Pietersen falling out with management. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! But, it won’t take the South African-born star long to get going alongside a new management team. Pietersen’s role in Brendon McCullum’s support staff will begin later this month when England play six white-ball fixtures (three T20Is and three ODIs) against Sri Lanka. He does have experience working as a mentor having previously coached with Delhi Capitals as a mentor at the IPL. He also briefly worked with England’s batters during an ODI series in South Africa in early 2023. Pietersen 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. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Head coach of England, Brendon McCullum is excited to work with Pietersen again Credit: Getty “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 thinktank over the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started.” Pietersen has worked as a broadcaster more than anything since his playing career ended in 2018, and was critical of McCullum’s England environment when they toured India in early 2025. McCullum rebuffed that criticism as “factually incorrect,” but is now excited to team-up with the legendary batsmen. McCullum said: “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.” Comment now