Birmingham, Sept. 8 -- England Test skipper Joe Root welcomed former Three Lions cricketer Kevin Pietersen's appointment as a specialist mentor for the team's white-ball teams, highlighting Pietersen's experience and influence, according to the ICC website.

Root, who played alongside Pietersen early in his England career, said he regularly followed and learned from him, particularly during the 2012/13 tour of India. He recalled training alongside Pietersen, observing his preparation and seeking advice on how to improve his batting against spin. Root described Pietersen as open, honest and highly helpful.

"I am probably the last player to have played with him still going. I really enjoyed him as a senior player coming into the team. He w...