Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever fast bowlers, has been appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England Men’s teams on a short-term basis.
The 36-year-old, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker of all time, will work with England across all formats through to the end of the Rothesay Test series against India.
Tim Southee brings world-class experience to England setup
Southee’s appointment is part of the ECB’s continued effort to enhance the development of England’s fast bowling group by bringing in globally experienced talent. His extensive knowledge of conditions across the cricketing world and across all formats is expected to provide valuable mentorship to England’s bowlers.
England’s international summer begins with the Rothesay Test against Zimbabwe, starting at Trent Bridge next Thursday, where Southee will officially begin his consultancy role with the team.
Short-term stint before The Hundred
After completing his role with the ECB, Southee is set to return to action as a player in The Hundred, representing Birmingham Phoenix. His dual role as mentor and active T20 player reflects his ongoing involvement in high-level cricket.
This short-term consultancy mirrors similar recent ECB appointments aimed at leveraging international experience to support England’s tactical and technical development in the build-up to a crucial Test summer and a packed limited-overs calendar.
