Has Tim Southee Joined England Men’s Team as Specialist Skills Consultant?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, England has enlisted former New Zealand fast-bowler Tim Southee as a specialist skills consultant. With his wealth of experience and record as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker, Southee's insights are set to enhance England's bowling prowess as they gear up for crucial matches against India and Zimbabwe.
Key Takeaways
- Tim Southee joins England as a specialist skills consultant.
- He is New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
- Southee will assist in the upcoming series against India and Zimbabwe.
- His experience will provide valuable insights to the squad.
- He reunites with head coach Brendon McCullum.
New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) England has welcomed former New Zealand fast-bowler Tim Southee to their men's team as a specialist skills consultant on a temporary arrangement for all formats.
Southee, aged 36, wrapped up his Test career in December 2024, standing as New Zealand's premier wicket-taker with 776 dismissals across all formats. He will assist England's bowlers throughout the five-Test series against India before competing for the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, which starts just four days after the final Test against India at The Oval.
“His extensive experience in diverse conditions worldwide and across all formats brings significant insight and expertise to the players,” noted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement on Thursday.
The ECB also mentioned that Southee will join the squad for England's inaugural match of the international summer – a four-day Test against Zimbabwe, which kicks off at Trent Bridge on May 22.
Southee's role in the England men's coaching team also allows him to reconnect with his close friend and former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who serves as the team's head coach.
Throughout his Test career, Southee secured 391 wickets in 107 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand after Sir Richard Hadlee with 431 wickets. He also claimed 221 wickets in 161 ODIs and took 164 wickets in 126 T20Is, being a vital part of the New Zealand squad that won the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021.
Following the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May, the Ben Stokes-led team will face a significant five-match series against India, commencing on June 20 at Headingley, with further matches scheduled at Edgbaston (July 2-6), Lord’s (July 10-14), Old Trafford (July 23-27), and The Oval (July 31 to August 4).
Point of View
Tim Southee's appointment as a specialist skills consultant for the England men's team represents a strategic enhancement to their bowling attack. His extensive experience will undoubtedly provide invaluable insights, enriching the team's competitive edge against formidable opponents like India and Zimbabwe.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tim Southee's role in the England men's team?
Tim Southee has been appointed as a specialist skills consultant on a short-term basis to support England's bowlers across all formats.
When will Tim Southee join the England squad?
Southee will join the England squad ahead of their opening match of the international summer against Zimbabwe, starting on May 22.
What is Tim Southee's cricketing background?
Southee is New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker with 776 wickets across all formats, with significant achievements in Test, ODI, and T20 cricket.
Who is the head coach of the England men's team?
The head coach of the England men's team is Brendon McCullum, a former New Zealand captain and a close friend of Tim Southee.
What series will England play after the Test against Zimbabwe?
After the Test against Zimbabwe, England will engage in a critical five-match series against India starting on June 20.
