Former NZ Bowler Tim Southee Joins England Coaching Staff for India Test Series

Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee has been appointed as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England men's cricket team on a short-term basis, supporting them through the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe and the five-match Test series against India. Southee, who retired in December 2024 as New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker with 776 wickets across all formats, will bring his extensive experience and knowledge to England's bowling attack. He will reunite with former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who is now England's head coach. Southee is expected to join the England squad ahead of the international season opener at Trent Bridge and will continue in this role until the conclusion of the India series in early August. After his consultancy stint, he will resume playing for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. England aims to improve their Test performances in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle with Southee's expertise aiding their preparation.