Kevin Pietersen (Image credit: X)

NEW DELHI: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has made a surprise return to the England set-up after being named the team's specialist mentor for white-ball cricket.Pietersen's international career ended controversially in 2014. Twelve years later, he is set to return to the England set-up as part of Brendon McCullum's coaching staff.His new role will begin with England's white-ball fixtures against Sri Lanka later in September.

‘Putting on the England uniform again’

Pietersen said he was proud to get the opportunity to work with the England team again and help them in their bid to win the World Cup in South Africa."I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa," Pietersen said on taking the role. "Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available."We have an incredibly talented white-ball squad, and I am excited to get in the trenches and work relentlessly hard with these players to maximise their potential. To be a part of Brendon's think tank over the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started."