Captain Harry Brook expressed enthusiasm over collaborating with mentor Kevin Pietersen, a figure he regards as instrumental in shaping England's white-ball cricket future. As the team gears up for the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Pietersen, one of the greatest batters of the 21st century, has joined the England white-ball setup under head coach Brendon McCullum.

Brook highlighted the positive influence Pietersen has had on the squad, particularly in enhancing their approach to spin bowling. During a recent press conference, he stated:

"KP has been very good... He's been good to have around, little chats here and there."

The masterclass led by Pietersen focused on picking the length of spin, a crucial skill for ODI cricket. Brook noted the importance of this aspect for the team's success, emphasizing the need for improvement in rotating the strike against spin bowlers.

Fresh off a 3-0 T20 series sweep against Sri Lanka, which elevated them to the top of the T20 world rankings, England faces Sri Lanka again in a three-match ODI series starting on Tuesday in Durham. Brook aims to maintain their momentum, stating:

"We want to be one of the fittest sides in the world... We are trending in the right direction."

Brook's recent performance, where he scored a 42-ball century, drew praise from Ben Stokes, who remarked that Brook's capabilities might surpass those of Pietersen. Although Brook acknowledged Stokes' comments, he emphasized his focus on learning from Pietersen and other experienced players.

Ahead of the ODI series, England has made three changes to their lineup, with Tom Banton, Jamie Overton, and Rehan Ahmed stepping in. The first ODI promises to be a thrilling encounter, live on Sky Sports.