McCullum: I want Pietersen to challenge me

England coach Brendon McCullum wants Kevin Pietersen to 'challenge' him, has 'no problem' with previous criticisms Brendon McCullum hopes Kevin Pietersen's "big personality" and "fierce competitiveness" can help England become best white-ball team in the world; KP now a mentor as side build for 2027 50-over World Cup; watch first T20 vs Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports from 6pm Tuesday (6.30pm first ball) Monday 14 September 2026 14:45, UK England coach Brendon McCullum wants to be "challenged" by white-ball mentor Kevin Pietersen and has "no problem" with the former batter's previous criticism of the team. Pietersen will work with England for most series up to and including the 2027 World Cup, starting during the three T20s and as many ODIs at home to Sri Lanka this month. The 46-year-old, who scored almost 14,000 runs across all three formats of international cricket between 2004 and 20144, accused England of a lack of preparation during a white-ball tour of India in 2025 in which they lost ODI and T20I series. - England appoint Kevin Pietersen mentor for white-ball teams - England hand Aneurin Donald T20 debut against Sri Lanka - Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW - England seal 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan after scare Speaking ahead of Tuesday's opening T20 in Southampton - live on Sky Sports from 6pm (6.30pm first ball) - McCullum said it was his decision to bring Pietersen onto the coaching staff and hopes his "big personality" will rub off onto the players. The New Zealander told reporters: "When I rang him and asked whether he would be interested in coming and working with England, I think he thought I was joking for a start! "He mentioned that he has been quite critical of us in the past and I said, 'I have no problem with that, mate'. There are parts I might agree with and parts I might not agree with and that's fine. "The way he looks at the game is quite different to a lot of people and if someone can see something different and point that out to help you to become better, then I see that as no bad thing. Kev will do that and I have encouraged him to do that. "I don't want him to be buried in one specific skillset - I want him to look across the set-up and challenge me privately on ways we can improve and do things differently." 'Pietersen has brought a lot of energy' McCullum continued: "The beauty of Kev coming in is that he has an incredible pedigree as a player - a lot of our players grew up watching and idolising him when he was in his pomp as a player. "He is one of those guys where he has so much in his life so for him to give up those things to focus on trying to help us to get to the level we want and challenge for World Cups, we are incredibly lucky. "Kev was an unbelievable player and a winner. He left no stone unturned with his preparation. He believed in himself in those big moments and more often than not performed in those moments. He is a big personality and fiercely competitive. "They are attributes we would love to rub off onto our players. It is great to be able to add a resource like that and I only see an upside. "He has brought a ton of energy to the set-up in the last 24 hours. His work ethic is second to none and when he is in on something, he is all in. "I am super excited to have him, he is excited and boys are buzzing. I am pleased we can add such a resource." - Listen to the latest episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast - What cricket is live on Sky Sports and when? Full TV listings - Sky Sports on WhatsApp: Breaking news, videos and more Asked whether McCullum had not been questioned enough by his other coaches, the 44-year-old said: That is the perception but the reality is that we are always challenging each other. "I just wanted to add someone of Kev's stature as we look to become one of the best teams in T20 and one-day international cricket." McCullum would also not be drawn on whether success in this role could lead to Pietersen also working with the Test team, saying reporters would have to ask incoming red-ball coach Stephen Fleming. Watch England's white-ball games versus Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket, starting with the first T20 international at the Utilita Bowl on Tuesday (6pm on air, 6.30pm start). Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW. England vs Sri Lanka schedule All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports - First T20 (Tuesday September 15) - Southampton (6.30pm) - Second T20 (Thursday September 17) - Cardiff (6.30pm) - Third T20 (Saturday September 19) - Old Trafford (2.30pm) - First ODI (Tuesday September 22) - Durham (12.30pm) - Second ODI (Thursday September 24) - Headingley (12.30pm) - Third ODI (Sunday September 27) - The Kia Oval (10.30am) [Image text:] TOYOTA WHOLEEIN