Joe Root has offered his full support for the surprise appointment of Kevin Pietersen as a specialist mentor for the England white-ball squad. The 46-year-old’s return to the fold has been welcomed by Root, who described Pietersen as “always brilliant” during their time as teammates. Root, who is likely the final active player to have shared the pitch with Pietersen, noted that he learned “a huge amount” from the former captain during the early stages of his international career.
The pair’s history dates back to 2012, when Pietersen was part of the side for Root’s Test debut in Nagpur. They played together in 12 Tests before Pietersen was removed from the team in 2014, and they also combined for nine ODIs throughout 2013. Reflecting on those formative years, Root recalled how he would shadow Pietersen in the nets, seeking advice on batting techniques. He highlighted Pietersen’s expertise in footwork, manipulating the field, and maneuvering the ball against spin, noting that such guidance was invaluable during tours of India and Australia.
Addressing concerns regarding Pietersen’s history as a provocative and outspoken figure, Root insisted that his past controversies do not diminish his value as a mentor. He argued that the team specifically sought him out for his honest opinions and deep understanding of the game. Root emphasized that Pietersen’s energy and technical knowledge will be a significant asset to the current group, stating, “Why would you get him involved if you didn’t want him to tell you what he thinks?”
Meanwhile, Root is focused on the upcoming third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, which begins this Wednesday. He admitted that his primary concern is ensuring the squad is prepared for the challenge posed by Pakistan, particularly given that the touring side has introduced seven new players, four of whom lack international experience. While information on some of these opponents is limited, Root remains pragmatic, suggesting that players must rely on their instincts and adapt to the conditions in front of them, much like cricketers did decades ago before the advent of modern video analysis.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam also addressed the unexpected changes to the opposition lineup, noting that the news was a surprise to him as well. He suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decisions were likely made with specific intent. With the series already decided, Babar views the final match as a “golden opportunity” for his team to compete with freedom. He expressed faith in his squad, noting that the inclusion of younger players has brought a sense of excitement to the camp as they look to finish the series on a positive note. The report also notes that and the pair played alongside each other in 12 Tests before Pietersen was abruptly dropped in 2014, pietersen was in the team when Root made his Test debut as a 21-year-old in Nagpur in 2012. The report also notes that “I really enjoyed him as a senior player, coming into the team. The report also notes that he was someone I’d be shadowing all the time. The report also notes that that first tour of India in particular, I would try to buddy up with him in the nets, watch how he practised, watch how he did things, ask for advice. The report also notes that really honest, very helpful, he was really open. The report also notes that and if he can offer that kind of stuff in a coaching capacity as he did as a senior player, I think it’s really going to benefit us as a group. The report also notes that “More than anything [he taught me] the importance of footwork, the ability to hit the ball against the spin, with the spin, understanding how that worked, the positions you might want to get yourself into, the ability to manipulate the field and manoeuvre the ball.
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