Tim Southee officially joins England until the end of India Test series

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has brought in former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee ahead of the upcoming English summer. The veteran cricketer has been appointed as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England Men’s teams and will work with the side on a short-term assignment.

Southee recently ended his 16-year international career as New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker. England are set to host a one-off Test against Zimbabwe and a five-match series against India. They will be looking to bounce back after underwhelming performances in Test cricket over the past two seasons.

Tim Southee Appointed as Specialist Skills Consultant for England Men's Teams

On Thursday, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on its website that Tim Southee has joined as a Specialist Skills Consultant on a short-term basis. Southee will assist England across all formats until the end of the Test series against India.

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"Former New Zealand international Tim Southee has joined the ECB as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England Men’s teams on a short-term basis," the statement reads.

"Southee, 36, who retired from international cricket in December as New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker, will support England’s squads across all formats through to the conclusion of the Rothesay Test series against India. With his vast experience of playing in a wide range of conditions around the world and across all formats, he brings valuable insight and knowledge to the players."

Tim Southee to Resume Playing Role in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix

After completing his consultancy work with England during the international summer, Tim Southee will continue with his commitments with the Birmingham Phoenix franchise in The Hundred later this year.

"Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix," the statement added.

"Southee will link up with the squad ahead of England’s opening fixture of the international summer – the Rothesay Test against Zimbabwe – which gets underway at Trent Bridge next Thursday."

The Kiwi took 391 wickets in 107 Tests at an average of 30.26. He is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Across all formats, Southee is New Zealand’s top wicket-taker, with 776 wickets in 394 international matches.

Tim Southee to Reunite with Former Teammate Brendon McCullum

Southee is set to join the England squad ahead of their first match of the international summer. They will take on Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge, starting next Thursday. England enter a new World Test Championship cycle, where his experience is expected to strengthen the coaching setup.

Southee will also reunite with former New Zealand teammate and current England Test coach Brendon McCullum. The two shared the field for New Zealand in 170 matches, with McCullum captaining in 78 of them.

They also played together for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and Middlesex in the T20 Blast. When Southee played his final Test in Hamilton, McCullum presented him a bottle of red wine signed by the England team.

Also read: CAB challenges BCCI on IPL 2025 final; Submits weather report to defend Eden Gardens