Kevin Pietersen interested in England coaching role in the future
Kevin Pietersen said that he will have no qualms in taking up a coaching role with the England national team should the opportunity present itself in the future, BBC Sport reports. The South Africa-born English cricketer, however, feels that young cricketers are currently reluctant to approach him for advice because of his issues with the ECB.
The flamboyant cricketer last played for the national team during the 2013-14 Ashes series Down Under where the visitors at the receiving end of a 5-0 whitewash by the Australians. Following the tour, Pietersen was dropped from the squad with the England management suggesting that he would no longer be considered for selection as his presence was creating differences within the dressing room.
Pietersen, who is one of England’s greatest ever cricketers, expressed his disappointment at the manner of his exit and also made his thoughts known on how the repeated omissions from successive England squads were having a negative impact on him as an individual as he feels the younger players do not approach him fearing repercussions from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
"I think that it is a sad, sad state that the messages that I receive from some of the current players are that it is difficult for them to ask me questions and advice because they fear they might get into trouble for getting in touch with me," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "I know for a fact that there was a little bit of a worry that getting advice from me would be frowned upon.”
Pietersen further added that he should have been treated better considering his services to the national team over the years.
"It's a sad position that with what I have achieved in the game with England that it seems to be sort of a no-go," Pietersen said.
The 35-year-old, however, revealed that he is open to taking up a coaching role with England should he approached for the same in the future.
"Of course I would. I haven't got a clue if I will be asked but I don't worry about it," he added.
Pietersen’s long-running feud with former teammate and skipper Andrew Strauss, who is currently serving as the Director of England Cricket with the ECB, means his chances of making an England return is bleak, at least in the short term.
"It's something that has long gone from me now. I live every day trying to be better at stuff I do. If it happens it happens, if it doesn't, so what?" Pietersen responded when asked about his chances of earning an England recall.