Root welcomes Pietersen’s return to England

Joe Root has welcomed Kevin Pietersen’s return to the England setup, saying his former international teammate can make a significant contribution as a specialist mentor to the white-ball teams.

Root shared the dressing room with Pietersen during the early part of his international career and said he closely observed the senior batter, particularly during England’s tour of India in 2012-13.

“I am probably the last player to have played with him still going,” Root said. “I really enjoyed him as a senior player coming into the team. He was someone that I would be shadowing all the time.”

Root explained that he tried to learn from Pietersen’s preparation and approach to playing spin, working with him in the nets and seeking advice.

“That first Tour of India in particular, I tried to buddy up with him in the nets, watch how he practised, watch how he did things, ask him for advice and he was really open, really honest, very helpful in terms of how to get the best out of my game against spin,” Root said.

‘Really going to benefit us’

The England Test captain believes Pietersen can now offer the same insight from a coaching position. His direct personality and willingness to give an honest assessment could be especially useful as England prepare for next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“If he can offer that kind of stuff in a coaching capacity as he did as a senior player then I think it's really going to benefit us as a group,” Root said.

Root added that England should value Pietersen’s candid views rather than seek to limit them. “I think you want people to give their honest opinion, why would you get him involved if you didn't want him to tell you what you think and to give his insight into the game?” he said.

England turn focus to Pakistan Test

England’s immediate priority is the third Test against Pakistan, with the visitors seeking another strong performance while Pakistan aim to respond and keep the contest alive. Root is expected to remain central to England’s plans in the longest format as both teams prepare for a decisive phase of the series.