Tim Southee, New Zealand’s legendary fast bowler, has been appointed as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England Men’s Test team. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed his short-term appointment on Thursday. Southee will work with England’s squads through the end of their Test series against India.
Tim Southee Begins Coaching Stint Post-Retirement
Southee, who recently ended his 16-year international career, is New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 776 wickets across all formats. The 36-year-old retired in December 2024 and will now begin his post-playing journey in coaching.
He is expected to link up with the England team ahead of their one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge next week. England’s summer fixtures will also mark the beginning of their new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
ECB Welcomes Tim Southee’s Experience
The ECB stated:
“With his vast experience of playing in a wide range of conditions around the world and across all formats, Tim Southee brings valuable insight and knowledge to the players.”
This move also reunites Southee with former Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum, who is England’s red-ball head coach.
Our new Specialist Skills Consultant 😍
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 15, 2025
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 👇
Southee’s Stats and Future Commitments
Tim Southee took 391 wickets in 107 Test matches at an average of 30.26. He will continue to play for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred later this year, after his consultancy stint with England ends.
England will play a five-match Test series against India following the Zimbabwe Test, and Southee’s addition is expected to add strategic depth to the bowling unit.
