Kevin Pietersen’s knowledge and energy will boost England’s white-ball group: Joe Root

England Test captain Joe Root has said that the appointment of Kevin Pietersen to the support staff will be a great addition to the team. Pietersen has joined England Men’s white-ball teams (both ODIs and T20Is) as a specialist mentor in the lead-up to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 in southern Africa.

Pietersen last played for England in 2014 and has been quite vocal in his criticism of the team in recent times. However, Root feels none of it is going to affect his relationship with the players as he assumes his position, while praising him for his knowledge of the game.

"I think it'll be fine. 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? 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 be great for the group and I'm really looking forward to getting him involved,” Root said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the third Test against Pakistan in Birmingham.

Root also recalled his playing days with Pietersen, having made his debut in 2012 against India in Nagpur. He revealed how Pietersen helped him develop a strong game against spin.

England eye 3-0 whitewash vs Pakistan

"I'm probably the last player to have played with him still going. I really enjoyed him as a senior player coming into the team. He was someone that I'd be shadowing all the time. 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,” he added.

Pietersen will link up with the team ahead of the upcoming white ball series against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Root will lead England in the third Test against Pakistan, beginning on September 9 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. England have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and will be aiming to inflict a whitewash on battered Pakistan.