England Consider Tim Southee as Bowling Consultant for Crucial Summer
England are reportedly in talks to appoint retired New Zealand pace legend Tim Southee as their fast-bowling consultant ahead of a packed summer featuring a five-Test series against India and the Ashes. Southee, who retired in December 2024 with 391 Test wickets, could replace James Anderson, the incumbent bowling consultant now unavailable due to Lancashire commitment.The move would bolster England’s New Zealand-dominated coaching staff, led by head coach Brendon McCullum and assisted by Jeetan Patel. Southee’s rapport with McCullum, forged during their playing days, adds strategic value. England’s summer begins with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May, followed by India A’s tour and the marquee five-Test series against India starting June. The Ashes in Australia later this year heighten the urgency for experienced mentorship amid injuries to Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, leaving Gus Atkinson (11 Tests) as the most seasoned seamer.Anderson, who retired from Tests in 2023, had been mentoring England’s pace attack but will prioritize Lancashire this season. Southee’s potential hiring reflects England’s focus on nurturing a relatively inexperienced attack, including candidates like Sam Cook and Josh Tongue, ahead of high-stakes fixtures. The ECB aims to finalize the appointment soon, with squad announcements expected this week.