Joe Root said the England team is "very different" to the one Kevin Pietersen was sacked from in 2014, after Pietersen joined the white-ball coaching staff as a mentor ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. Root, the only remaining England Test player from that era, said Pietersen's experience and innovative approach would benefit the squad. Pietersen, who scored 13,779 international runs for England, had a divisive career, including being dropped in 2012 over text-message allegations and again during the 5-0 Ashes humiliation of 2013-14.

Root praised Pietersen's willingness to speak his mind and his dedication to mentoring young players, recalling their time together at Nottinghamshire, Hampshire and Surrey. Pietersen will join Brendon Mc Cullum's staff for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Root leads England in the third Test against Pakistan, aiming for a 3-0 sweep, while ticket prices for the upcoming Ashes have sparked debate.