Pietersen returns as England mentor and is open to Ashes support

Kevin Pietersen has returned to England’s dressing room as a specialist mentor, with plans to work intermittently with the limited-overs teams through the 50-over World Cup in autumn 2027. His involvement could also extend to helping the Test batters before next summer’s home Ashes. [1]

Speaking to the media at Headingley, in comments reported by BBC Sport on 25 September 2026, Pietersen indicated he was open to that possibility. BBC Sport reported that he had already spoken to new Test coach Stephen Fleming about supporting Test batters during his time with the white-ball squads. [1]

The return comes more than a decade after the England and Wales Cricket Board sacked Pietersen in 2014, following the 2013–14 Ashes defeat. Asked whether any animosity remained, he said: “That stuff is so long gone. I am a completely different person.” He described his purpose now as helping Brendon McCullum and the players become the best versions of themselves. [1]

Pietersen also said working inside the England set-up had changed his view of it. He described the team as highly driven, having previously suggested during England’s 2025 white-ball tour of India that they were not training enough. He declined to spell out precisely what his earlier preconceptions had been. [1]

On Harry Brook, Pietersen suggested his contribution could centre on reading match situations and bringing structure to the batter’s approach. “There was a lot of method in my madness,” he said, explaining the experience he could draw on as a mentor. He described Brook’s current ability and potential as “frightening”. [1]