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Pietersen brings fresh eyes and discipline to England backroom setup, says McCullum

Digital Desk | Southampton, Sep 14 (IANS) Englands white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum welcomed Kevin Pietersens arrival as a mentor in the setup, adding that the former captains past criticisms of the team would bring valuable perspective to a side enforcing stricter off-field standards. Pietersen has joined the limited-overs coaching setup ahead of England's series against Sri Lanka and brings high-profile international experience to a team recalibrating its disciplinary expectations following the omission of pace bowler Brydon Carse. When I rang him the first time and said, Would you be interested in working with England? I think he thought I was joking. He mentioned, Ive been quite critical of you guys in the past and I said I have no problem with that, mate. There are parts of it I agree with, and parts which I wont agree with, and thats fine. Thats the beauty of Kev coming in. I want him to look across the environment and challenge me privately around ways we can improve or things we can do differently. Having someone that has a different take on things is no bad thing. Kev will do that, and Ive encouraged him to do that as well. Our relationship is good; its full of respect, McCullum told reporters on Monday. He also confirmed that Pietersen immediately reinforced the squad's need for maintaining professional discipline during his first dressing-room address. Kev mentioned it in the dressing room earlier, as well. He said we need to give ourselves every opportunity to try and get to the level and get to the achievements that we want to and that includes a lot of the responsibilities that we make socially and off the field too. The tightening of off-field standards comes alongside Carses ongoing exclusion across all formats following an arrest outside a Derby nightclub last month. McCullum warned that spots in the national team would depend on players maintaining professional standards off the pitch. I hope its crystal clear what is expected, not just of this group, but of those who have got aspirations to play for us. We want to play a style of cricket that comes with responsibilities. Thats just life living in the fast lane of international cricket. There is a lot of talent around; if youre not prepared to do that, there are other guys who will be given those opportunities. Ive spoken to Carsey a lot, and its the same message. You need to make good decisions off the field that allow you to be able to be the best version of yourself. As far as Carsey is concerned, its a good chance for him now to get his house in order and then push for selection for the next opportunity that arises. The tactical reset coincides with the arrival of Stephen Fleming, who landed in the country on Monday to begin his tenure as Englands new Test head coach. Fleming will meet ECB officials, liaise with Test captain Joe Root, and join McCullums white-ball squad in Manchester ahead of the third T20I against Sri Lanka. Flem and I will catch up in the coming days, and well start trying to piece all that together. Well have to work through that. Hes one of my best mates. I think its a great opportunity for him and the timing is perfect. Theres a bit to unpick, but well get there and look forward to doing it with Flem. Itll be good fun working through it together, concluded McCullum.