Kevin Pietersen is “buzzing” to rejoin the England set-up, joining the white-ball coaching staff for the series against Sri Lanka, interim head coach Marcus Trescothick said.

Pietersen will serve as a specialist mentor through the 2027 Cricket World Cup in Africa. He joins the squad before England’s first T20I against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6pm, first ball at 6.30pm.

Trescothick and Pietersen were Ashes-winning team-mates during England’s 2005 triumph. Trescothick said Pietersen’s approach to batting could benefit the white-ball side: “If we can tap into that and get that into our white-ball cricket, It’s only going to benefit the team.”

The appointment follows Pietersen’s 2015 departure from the England setup, his 2012 dropping, and his 2008 captaincy resignation. Since retiring in 2018, he has criticised England at times, including its preparation in India. Trescothick said England are moving in the right direction and Pietersen will add “a little more spark and a little bit more variety.”