Kevin Pietersen ‘delighted’ as England appoint Brendon McCullum but ‘devastated’ for injured Jofra Archer

Kevin Pietersen says he is ‘delighted’ by Brendon McCullum’s appointment as England Test coach and has backed the New Zealand hero to improve the side along with with new captain Ben Stokes.

Former Black Caps skipper McCullum signed a four-year deal to take over England’s red-ball side last week and will be in place for next month’s Test series against world champions New Zealand.

McCullum, who played 101 Tests for the Kiwis, replaces Yorkshireman Chris Silverwood, who was sacked in the aftermath of England’s heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.

‘I’m delighted with the appointment of Brendon McCullum,’ Pietersen told Betway. ‘It’s a very interesting choice as England’s Test coach.

‘I think his brand of cricket is one that will be along the same lines as what Rob Key and Ben Stokes want. It’s also what the paying public want to watch.

‘Something needed to change, and this is positive change. England will now have lots of discipline, but also be encouraged to play naturally. Don’t be scared, don’t be timid, go out and do your thing.’

McCullum has never coached in first-class cricket but has quickly established himself as one of the most highly-rated white-ball coaches in the world since retiring, leaving a role with Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to join England.

The 40-year-old is taking over an England side who have only won one of their last 17 Tests and are currently ranked sixth in the ICC Test rankings.

McCullum and Stokes named their first England squad earlier this week, recalling James Anderson and Stuart Broad after they both missed the West Indies tour in March and calling up Yorkshire batter Harry Brook and Durham bowler Matthew Potts.

Pietersen added: ‘McCullum isn’t scarred by England’s recent