In a strategic move ahead of a packed international summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has roped in former New Zealand pace spearhead Tim Southee as a specialist skills consultant. Southee, who recently retired from Test cricket in December 2024, will work with the England men’s team across all formats on a short-term basis, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the bowling unit.
The 36-year-old veteran, who finished his illustrious international career as New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker across all formats with 776 scalps, will remain part of the England setup through the end of the high-profile five-match Test series against India, which begins on June 20 at Headingley.
Southee’s arrival marks a reunion with his former teammate and now England’s red-ball head coach, Brendon McCullum. Their strong rapport from years in the New Zealand setup could prove vital in shaping England’s new-look bowling attack for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle (2025–2027).
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Before taking on India, Southee will join the squad for their summer opener — a four-day Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on May 22. The ECB, in its official statement, praised Southee’s appointment, citing his “vast experience in varying conditions and formats” as a major asset.
Our new Specialist Skills Consultant 😍
We’re delighted to announce that Tim Southee, New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker, is joining us on a short-term basis.
Read more 👇
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 15, 2025
Post the Test series against India, Southee will switch roles and join Birmingham Phoenix for The Hundred, which begins just four days after the final Test at The Oval (Aug 4).
Southee’s red-ball credentials are unquestionable — 391 wickets in 107 Tests, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee for New Zealand. Add to that his 221 wickets in ODIs and 164 in T20Is, and his resume speaks volumes.
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Notably, Southee was also a key figure in New Zealand’s World Test Championship triumph over India in 2021. England will be hoping his experience and tactical nous can help guide their pace battery as they prepare to challenge India in the new WTC cycle.
