England’s white‑ball head coach Brendon McCullin has openly invited former England star Kevin Pietersen to push him out of his comfort zone, saying he welcomes the former batsman’s past criticisms of the side. Pietersen, who will be attached to England’s limited‑overs programme through the 2027 World Cup, is set to begin his tenure during the three‑match T20 series against Sri Lanka and the accompanying One‑Day Internationals on home soil later this month. The 46‑year‑old former England captain, who amassed nearly 14,000 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is between 2004 and 2014, was outspoken after England’s white‑ball tour of India in 2025.
He accused the team of being under‑prepared after the side lost both the ODI and T20I series. Rather than dismissing those comments, McCullin has invited Pietersen to join the coaching staff, hoping his outspoken nature and deep experience will benefit the current group.
Speaking before the opening T20 in Southampton – a match televised on Sky Sports from 6 p.m. (first ball at 6.30 p.m.) – McCullin explained why he reached out to Pietersen. “When I called him and asked if he’d be interested in working with England, I think he thought I was joking at first,” the New Zealander said. “He reminded me that he’s been fairly critical of us in the past and I told him I have no problem with that, mate.
There are points I might agree with and others I might not, and that’s fine.” McCullin stressed that Pietersen’s perspective on the game differs from many of his contemporaries. “If someone can see something different and point it out to help you improve, that’s never a bad thing. Kev will do that and I have encouraged him to do it,” he added.
The coach clarified that he does not want Pietersen to be confined to a single coaching niche. “I want him to look at the whole set‑up and challenge me privately on ways we can improve and do things differently,” McCullin said.
The former New Zealand captain highlighted Pietersen’s playing pedigree as a key factor. “A lot of our players grew up watching him and idolising him when he was at his peak,” McCullin noted. “He has so much in his life, and for him to set that aside to help us reach the level we want for the World Cups – we are incredibly lucky.” Pietersen’s reputation as a fierce competitor and meticulous preparer was also praised. “He left no stone unturned in his preparation, believed in himself in big moments and often delivered when it mattered,” McCullin said.
“His big personality and competitive edge are traits we’d love to rub off onto our players.” According to McCullin, Pietersen has already injected a surge of energy into the camp. “His work ethic is second to none and when he’s involved in something, he’s all in,” the coach remarked. “I’m super excited to have him, he’s excited and the lads are buzzing.” When asked whether other members of the coaching team had questioned his decision, McCullin responded that the perception of a lack of challenge is inaccurate. “We are constantly challenging each other,” he said.
“I simply wanted to add someone of Kev’s stature as we aim to become one of the best T20 and ODI sides in the world.” McCullin declined to comment on whether Pietersen could eventually move into the Test set‑up, directing reporters to the newly appointed red‑ball coach Stephen Fleming. Fleming, who succeeded McCullin as England’s Test boss in August, missed the 3‑0 sweep of Pakistan, which was overseen by interim coach Marcus Trescothick.
Fleming’s first official assignment will be a three‑Test series in South Africa over the Christmas period, though he is currently in England for a short visit that includes meetings with Test captain Joe Root and discussions with county coaches. Pietersen will join McCullin for the final T20 against Sri Lanka at the Emirates Old Trafford later this weekend. The pair will need to coordinate how England’s multi‑format stars are managed across the busy calendar, which includes a looming Ashes series and the 2027 50‑over World Cup scheduled a few months after the Ashes. Players such as Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell are expected to feature prominently in both campaigns.
McCullin acknowledged the packed schedule ahead. “We have a big programme with an Ashes and a World Cup to aim for, plus a number of important series in between,” he said. “We want to make sure we have access to the best players across formats while monitoring workloads. There’s a lot to sort out but we’ll get there.” He also praised Fleming’s arrival, saying the timing is ideal for the new Test coach to implement his style.
“He’s a brilliant man, coach and tactician. He’ll do a fantastic job and I look forward to collaborating with him across all formats to get the best out of the side.” Finally, McCullin confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the role of assistant coach Marcus Trescothick within the new set‑up, ensuring that the coaching structure remains cohesive as England prepares for the upcoming series and long‑term objectives.
Fans can catch England’s white‑ball matches against Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket, beginning with the first T20 at the Utilita Bowl on Tuesday. All times are listed in UK and Ireland time zones, and the games are available via Sky Sports or streaming through NOW with no contract required.