Still a key voice in cricket as a commentator while remaining central to England’s white-ball reforms headlined by Pietersen’s coaching role
Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as a specialist mentor for England’s ODI and T20 teams ahead of next year’s World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He joins Brendon McCullum’s white-ball setup after a controversial exit in 2014. Steve Root praises KP’s knowledge and energy; Vaughan questions the spotlight on the coaching team amid a busy calendar.
England has built a 195-run lead at Headingley as Jordan Cox leads a productive day with 73, Brook and Lawrence adding half-centuries, while Usman claims wickets for Pakistan. Sam Curran faces a groin injury and will miss the third Test.
Twenty-one former international cricket captains have appealed to Pakistan’s leadership to ensure an independent medical assessment for Imran Khan, allow weekly family visits, and provide treatment as ordered by the Supreme Court. The calls come after Khan’s brief hospital visit and ongoing questions about his health while in custody.