Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has joined the England cricket team’s coaching setup as a Special Skills Consultant, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed. He replaces James Anderson in a short-term role as England prepare for their upcoming red-ball assignments.
Southee will work closely with England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, his former teammate and captain during their time with the New Zealand national team. The two shared the field in 170 international matches, with Southee playing 78 of them under McCullum’s captaincy. It was on McCullum’s recommendation that the ECB brought Southee on board.
The 35-year-old will begin his coaching stint with England during the upcoming four-day Test match against Zimbabwe, starting next week at Trent Bridge. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Southee following his retirement from international cricket late last year.
In a statement, the ECB said: “Tim Southee brings a wealth of experience from playing across all formats around the world. His insights and strategic approach will be valuable assets to the players and the team environment.”
Southee made his international debut in 2008 against England in a Test match at Napier. Over a 17-year career, he took 776 international wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker in New Zealand’s cricket history across formats.
Though he has retired from international duties, Southee continues to play franchise cricket and was last seen in action in the UAE’s International League T20 earlier this year.
