England coach Brendon McCullum wants to be “challenged” by white-ball mentor Kevin Pietersen and has “no problem” with the former batter’s previous criticism of the team.
Pietersen will work with England for most series up to and including the 2027 World Cup, starting during the three T20s and as many ODIs at home to Sri Lanka this month.
The 46-year-old, who scored almost 14,000 runs across all three formats of international cricket between 2004 and 20144, accused England of a lack of preparation during a white-ball tour of India in 2025 in which they lost ODI and T20I series.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s opening T20 in Southampton – live on Sky Sports from 6pm (6.30pm first ball) – McCullum said it was his decision to bring Pietersen onto the coaching staff and hopes his “big personality” will rub off onto the players.
The New Zealander told reporters: “When I rang him and asked whether he would be interested in coming and working with England, I think he thought I was joking for a start!
“He mentioned that he has been quite critical of us in the past and I said, ‘I have no problem with that, mate’. There are parts I might agree with and parts I might not agree with and that’s fine.
Pietersen (left) and McCullum (right) are preparing for a white-ball series at home to Sri Lanka
“The way he looks at the game is quite different to a lot of people and if someone can see something different and point that out to help you to become better, then I see that as no bad thing. Kev will do that and I have encouraged him to do that.
“I don’t want him to be buried in one specific skillset – I want him to look across the set-up and challenge me privately on ways we can improve and do things differently.”
‘Pietersen has brought a lot of energy’
McCullum continued: “The beauty of Kev coming in is that he has an incredible pedigree as a player – a lot of our players grew up watching and idolising him when he was in his pomp as a player.
“He is one of those guys where he has so much in his life so for him to give up those things to focus on trying to help us to get to the level we want and challenge for World Cups, we are incredibly lucky.
Pietersen is on board as England prepare for the 2027 50-over World Cup
“Kev was an unbelievable player and a winner. He left no stone unturned with his preparation. He believed in himself in those big moments and more often than not performed in those moments. He is a big personality and fiercely competitive.
“They are attributes we would love to rub off onto our players. It is great to be able to add a resource like that and I only see an upside.
“He has brought a ton of energy to the set-up in the last 24 hours. His work ethic is second to none and when he is in on something, he is all in.
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Joe Root is looking forward to working with Pietersen in one-day international cricket
“I am super excited to have him, he is excited and boys are buzzing. I am pleased we can add such a resource.”
Asked whether McCullum had not been questioned enough by his other coaches, the 44-year-old said: “That is the perception but the reality is that we are always challenging each other.
“I just wanted to add someone of Kev’s stature as we look to become one of the best teams in T20 and one-day international cricket.”
McCullum would not be drawn on whether success in this role could lead to Pietersen working with the Test team, saying reporters would have to ask incoming red-ball coach Stephen Fleming.
McCullum: We want our best players available across formats
Fleming replaced McCullum as England Test coach in August but did not oversee the 3-0 sweep of Pakistan, with Marcus Trescothick in interim charge for that resounding victory.
Stephen Fleming’s first series as England Test coach will be in South Africa this winter
Fleming’s first official assignment will be the three-Test series in South Africa over the Christmas period, although he has arrived in England from his native New Zealand.
The former Chennai Super Kings head coach will link up with McCullum for the third and final T20 against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford at the weekend, where a big topic of discussion will be how the duo manage England’s multi-format stars moving forward.
The 2027 50-over World Cup will take place a few months after the side aim to win an Ashes series for the first time in over a decade, with Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell among those set to be key in both tournaments.
McCullum added: “We have a big schedule with an Ashes and World Cup to aim for down the line but also big series coming up.
“We want to make sure we have access as often as possible to the best players across the formats and be aware of workloads as well. There is a bit to pick over but we will get there.
Harry Brook is a crucial player for England across all three formats
“The timing is perfect [for Fleming to be Test coach] and the team will respond to his style and his approach. He is a brilliant man, coach and tactician.
“He will do a brilliant job and I look forward to working collaboratively with him across the formats and getting the best for all three forms.”
McCullum also confirmed that talks will be held over where assistant coach Trescothick now fits into the set-up.
Watch England’s white-ball games versus Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket, starting with the first T20 international at the Utilita Bowl on Tuesday (6pm on air, 6.30pm start). Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.
England vs Sri Lanka schedule
All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports
- First T20 (Tuesday September 15) – Southampton (6.30pm)
- Second T20 (Thursday September 17) – Cardiff (6.30pm)
- Third T20 (Saturday September 19) – Old Trafford (2.30pm)
- First ODI (Tuesday September 22) – Durham (12.30pm)
- Second ODI (Thursday September 24) – Headingley (12.30pm)
- Third ODI (Sunday September 27) – The Kia Oval (10.30am)
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