In a move that left everyone surprised, Kevin Pietersen has thrown his support behind Andy Flower, the very man responsible for the unceremonious end of his international career, to take the reins as England’s next head coach. This unexpected endorsement comes as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) weighs a leadership change following the disastrous 4-1 Ashes defeat under Brendon McCullum. Despite the irretrievable breakdown of their relationship during the 2013-14 Ashes tour, Pietersen believes Flower is the right candidate to restore order to the national side.
The history between the two is famously volatile; Pietersen and Flower were often at odds during their five-year stint together. Paradoxically, this period was one of England’s most golden eras, as the team secured the world number-one Test ranking and captured their first global silverware at the 2010 Twenty20 World Cup. However, the internal friction eventually reached a boiling point, leading to a total collapse in communication that overshadowed their on-field achievements.
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Kevin Pietersen wants Andy Flower to become England's head coach
The fallout reached its peak exactly twelve years ago this month when the ECB made the drastic decision to terminate Pietersen’s central contract. Almost simultaneously, Flower resigned from his position as head coach to transition into a technical director role within the ECB. Now, with Flower aged 57 and possessing a wealth of coaching experience across global leagues, Pietersen seems willing to look past their personal history for the sake of England’s future success.
Pietersen took to X and wrote:
"This is a WILD thought. I reckon one of my wildest. Can England bring back Andy Flower now that he’s changed and in line with the modern day player? He gets Test cricket. I’ve been told by many players that he’s changed his ways since our drama. He’s winning leagues so really does get the modern day player. VERY IMPORTANT! Wild, I know! Thoughts?".
When Pietersen labeled Andy Flower a 'mood hoover'
In the past, Pietersen was one of Flower’s harshest critics, famously labeling the Zimbabwean a 'mood hoover' and criticising his rigid management style within the England dressing room. However, Flower’s reputation has undergone a massive transformation since transitioning to the franchise circuit. He has emerged as one of the most successful T20 coaches in the world, notably leading the Trent Rockets to a title in The Hundred in 2022. Even more impressively, he delivered a long-awaited, maiden IPL trophy to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2025, a feat that has made him one of the most sought-after tactical minds in the global game.
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This soaring stock has recently led to Flower being appointed by the London Spirit, where he continues his successful partnership with Mo Bobat. Given the prestige and financial rewards associated with his various franchise roles, there is significant doubt as to whether he would be willing to return to the high-pressure environment of international coaching. Nevertheless, his ability to produce results across different conditions has placed him at the top of many wish lists as England searches for a way forward.
While Brendon McCullum’s current contract is intended to run through the 2027 Ashes, his position has become increasingly precarious. Following the team's exit from Australia, McCullum himself candidly suggested that there might be "someone better" suited for the role. His future now appears to hinge on his ability to adapt his famously relaxed coaching style. After recent discussions with ECB leadership, including Richard Thompson and Richard Gould, it is clear that the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka will serve as a definitive litmus test for his leadership.