Joe Root Welcomes Kevin Pietersen’s Return to England’s White-Ball Set-Up

England Test captain Joe Root has welcomed Kevin Pietersen’s return to the national set-up, saying the former England batter’s “honest opinions” and extensive experience could prove valuable to the white-ball teams ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup.

Pietersen, 46, has joined England’s limited-overs set-up as a “specialist mentor” under head coach Brendan McCullum and captain Harry Brook. His appointment marks a return to the England environment more than a decade after his international career ended following the 2013-14 Ashes.

Root, who played alongside Pietersen during the early stages of his own international career, believes the former batter’s outspoken nature will be an asset rather than a concern.

“I think it’ll be fine,” Root said ahead of the third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston. “You want people to give their honest opinion. Why would you get him involved if you didn’t want him to tell you what he thinks and to give his insight into the game?”

Root highlighted Pietersen’s knowledge of batting and his ability to bring energy into a dressing room.

“He’s very knowledgeable. He’s got a very good understanding of batting in particular and he’s got a huge amount of energy. I think he’s going to be great for the group and I’m really looking forward to getting him involved,” Root said.

The pair first worked together during England’s historic Test tour of India in 2012. Root, then 21, made his Test debut in Nagpur and scored 73 in the first innings, sharing a 40-ball partnership with Pietersen.

Root went on to play alongside Pietersen 21 times for England across Tests and ODIs. He recalled how much he learned from the senior batter during that first tour of India.

“I really enjoyed him as a senior player coming into the team,” Root said. “He was someone that I’d be shadowing all the time.”

“On that first tour of India in particular, I’d try and buddy up with him in the nets, watch how he practised, watch how he did things, ask him for advice. And he was really open, really honest, very helpful in terms of how to get the best out of my game against spin.”

Pietersen is one of several changes and additions being made to England’s coaching structures. Jonathan Trott has been working with the Lions, while further additions are expected to the Test coaching staff once Stephen Fleming takes charge following the Pakistan series.

England have also brought back performance psychologist David Young on a temporary basis. Young previously played an important role in England’s successful 2019 ODI World Cup campaign and has returned to work with the Test squad.

Root believes Young’s presence can provide players with an important outlet during challenging periods.

“I think it’s good for the guys to have that sounding board and someone to speak to about the game,” Root said.

“Clearly it worked extremely well with us for a long period of time and [was] quite instrumental in that 2019 World Cup.”

Young was part of the England set-up when the team faced a difficult period during the 2019 World Cup. Ahead of the group match against India at Edgbaston, he and then-captain Eoin Morgan organised a team meeting where players openly discussed their emotions and concerns.

The intervention helped England regroup and eventually win their first men’s 50-over World Cup.

Meanwhile, Root has backed opener Emilio Gay to overcome a difficult first Test summer. The 26-year-old has scored 72 runs in three innings against Pakistan after beginning his international career with two half-centuries against New Zealand.

With batting conditions proving particularly challenging this season, Root believes Gay has shown encouraging signs despite the pressure of opening the innings.

“He’s prepared as well as he possibly can. He leaves no stone unturned and... he’s in the hardest possible position,” Root said.

“You’re top of the order, fresh bowlers, new pitch, brand new ball. And it’s been really tough work this summer.”

Root said he remained confident in Gay’s ability and temperament and hoped the opener would use his next opportunity to demonstrate his qualities.

“I think he’s done really well and the context is a really important part of when you find yourselves in these extremities,” Root said.

“I’m excited for him to get the opportunity to go and hopefully show again the composure that he has, the calm nature in which he starts innings, and show everyone his ability and his talent.”

With England already having won the series against Pakistan, Gay could have another opportunity to strengthen his position before the winter tour. However, competition for opening spots could intensify when Jacob Bethell returns from knee surgery ahead of England’s tour of South Africa.

For now, Root has backed Gay to make the most of his chance, while England will hope Pietersen’s return can provide another boost to their white-ball ambitions.