Joe Root Welcomes Kevin Pietersen as England's White-Ball Mentor

England's Test captain Joe Root has welcomed Kevin Pietersen's appointment as a specialist mentor for the white-ball teams. Root reflects on his early career experiences with Pietersen, emphasizing the value of his insights and energy. As England prepares for the ODI World Cup, Root remains focused on the upcoming third Test against Pakistan, acknowledging the challenges posed by the opposition. He stresses the importance of staying prepared and not underestimating the talent within the Pakistan team. Read on to discover more about Root's thoughts on Pietersen's influence and the team's mindset ahead of the crucial match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 9, 2026, 00:16 IST

Root Praises Pietersen's Appointment

Birmingham [UK], September 8: England's Test captain Joe Root has expressed his enthusiasm for the recent appointment of former cricketer Kevin Pietersen as a specialist mentor for the white-ball teams. Root emphasized Pietersen's wealth of experience and his positive influence on the squad, as reported by a leading sports website.

Reflecting on his early career, Root noted that he played alongside Pietersen and often sought his guidance, particularly during the 2012/13 tour of India. He fondly recalled training sessions with Pietersen, where he observed his preparation techniques and sought advice on enhancing his batting against spin bowlers. Root characterized Pietersen as approachable, candid, and immensely supportive.

“I am likely the last player still active who played alongside him. I truly valued his presence as a senior player in the team. During that initial tour of India, I made it a point to learn from him in the nets, studying his practice routines and asking for tips. He was always open and honest, providing valuable insights on improving my game against spin,” Root shared ahead of the third Test against Pakistan.

Root believes that if Pietersen can impart the same level of insight in a coaching role as he did as a player, it will significantly benefit the team. He is confident that Pietersen's extensive cricketing acumen will be an asset as England prepares for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

“It's essential to have individuals who can provide their genuine opinions. Why involve him if you don’t want his insights?” Root questioned. “He possesses a deep understanding of batting and brings a lot of energy. I am eager to see how he contributes to the group,” he added.

Despite leading the series against Pakistan 2-0, Root emphasized that the team remains focused on the upcoming third Test, acknowledging the challenge posed by Pakistan.

He dismissed the notion that the series score reflects a one-sided affair, stating that the truth often lies in between. “We have certainly found Pakistan to be a challenge. It’s somewhat disrespectful to both teams to suggest otherwise. Our performance has prevented them from gaining momentum, thanks to our ability to read the game and conditions effectively,” Root explained.

Root reiterated that England will not let their guard down, as the third Test presents a new challenge against a skilled Pakistan team. He assured that the squad is fully prepared for the Edgbaston Test, which begins on September 9.

“No matter what has transpired in the previous matches, this week presents a different challenge. Pakistan has a talented roster, and we must be ready for it,” Root concluded.