England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum says he hopes to Kevin Pietersen will “challenge” him, as the former English great begins his role as a batting consultant.
Pietersen, one of England’s most decorated modern batters, has stepped into the job after a 13-year exile from the national set-up, after a messy end to his international career.
He will serve in the position until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Speaking ahead of a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, which begins on Wednesday morning (AEST) at The Ageas Bowl, McCullum, who was sacked as Test coach in July, said the 46-year old had already left the squad “buzzing”.
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He was also adamant that Pietersen’s previous history of criticising the team through his role in the media wouldn’t be an issue.
“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!” the New Zealander told reporters.
Kevin Pietersen and Brendon McCullum at England training. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“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.
“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 skill set – I want him to look across the set-up and challenge me privately on ways we can improve and do things differently.”
McCullum revealed that Pietersen, who sits seventh on England’s all time run-scoring list, has already had an impact on the T20I squad, many of whom grew up watching him play.
“That’s the beauty of Kev coming in. He’s obviously got an incredible pedigree as a player and a lot of the guys grew up idolising Kev when he was in his pomp,” he said.
“He’s brought a ton of energy to the setup within the last 24 hours.”
Kevin Pietersen shares a laugh with Brendon McCullum. (Photo by Gareth Copley – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Pietersen’s role, according to McCullum, will be broader than a standard coaching position, with a focus on improving the “environment” of the team.
England have enjoyed recent success in T20I cricket, but have fallen at the semi-final stage of the last two T20 World Cups since winning the tournament in Australia in 2022.
“I’ve mentioned to him that I don’t want him to be buried in one specific skill set,” McCullum said.
“I want him to look across the environment and challenge me privately around ways we can improve things or can do differently.
“You don’t know what you don’t know, but if someone can see something slightly different and point out something that can make you a better side, or a better coaching structure, I see that as no bad thing.”
McCullum had sterner words for fast bowler Brydon Carse, who was left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons after he was escorted from a nightclub in handcuffs following an incident in August.
The 31-year old had been a regular across all formats in recent years, though he missed the squad for the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
McCullum said Carse would need to “get his house in order” before he could resume his international career.
Brydon Carse hasn’t featured for England since a controversial nightclub incident in August. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)Source: AFP
“I’ve spoken to Carsey a lot … we want to play the style of cricket that comes with responsibility, it comes with physical attributes which you need to be ready for,” he said.
“You need to make good decisions off the field that allow you to be able to be the best version of yourself.
“I hope it’s crystal clear what is expected … it comes with responsibilities, and that’s just life living in the fast lane of international cricket.
“There is a lot of talent around – if you’re not prepared to do that, there are other guys who will be given those opportunities.
“As far as Carsey is concerned, it’s important for Carsey he gets his house in order.
“We know he’s an excellent cricketer who has done well when he’s played for England.
“It’s a good chance for him now to get his house in order and then push for selection for the next opportunity that arises.”
According to reports, McCullum will welcome countryman Stephen Fleming, who is set to replace him as Test coach, into the team’s set-up for the third T20I in Manchester next week.