Tim Southee Joins England as Skills Consultant

Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee, who retired in December 2024 as his country's all-time leading wicket-taker, has been appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the 2024 summer. Southee will support the England men's team across all formats, starting with the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, followed by white-ball series against the West Indies, and a five-Test home series against India. He will work alongside England head coach Brendon McCullum, his former New Zealand teammate. Southee replaces James Anderson, who is unavailable due to county cricket commitments. After his coaching stint, Southee will return to play for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. The ECB has highlighted Southee's extensive international experience as a key asset for England's bowling preparations.