McCullum: I want to be challenged by KP as Pietersen joins England white-ball camp

McCullum welcomes Pietersen back into England fold

England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum has revealed he is relishing the prospect of being tested by Kevin Pietersen after the former England batter was drafted in as a specialist mentor for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

"I want to be challenged by KP," McCullum said, according to the latest episode of the BBC's Test Match Special podcast.

Pietersen, one of the most explosive batters in England's history, joins the setup as a specialist mentor for the white-ball games, offering his experience to a squad looking to refine its approach ahead of a busy international period.

Test summer reviewed as winter looms

On the podcast, host Mark Chapman was joined by former England internationals Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Steven Finn to look back on England's Test summer, cast an eye forward to the winter and dissect what the side hopes to gain from the white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka.

The panel reflected on the lessons of the Test campaign and debated the direction of the white-ball side under McCullum's stewardship.

Grassroots recognised

The episode also featured the ECB National Club Champions, Shepherds Bush, celebrating the grassroots side's achievement at the top of English club cricket.