Former New Zealand seam bowler, Tim Southee, is set to potentially step into the role of England men’s bowling consultant, filling the shoes of James Anderson. Anderson, who retired from Test cricket in July, has been the acting coach but is currently focused on a stint playing for Lancashire.
Reports from BBC Sport on Tuesday revealed that Southee, who hung up his international boots following England’s 2024 tour of New Zealand, is considered the likely candidate. At 36, Southee concluded his impressive 16-year career as New Zealand’s top wicket-taker. Should he accept the role, he would be reunited with Brendon McCullum, his former captain and friend. The pair has a rich history, having played together 170 times for New Zealand, including 78 matches with McCullum as skipper. They’ve also shared the dressing room in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and during the T20 Blast with Middlesex. In a warm gesture, McCullum gifted a signed bottle of wine to Southee at his last Test match in Hamilton.
McCullum has always believed in Southee’s potential as an excellent bowling coach, bolstered by Southee’s rapport with current squad members, including Test captain Ben Stokes. England’s aim is for a bowling consultant to guide both red and white ball teams this summer and ideally remain for the forthcoming Ashes series. Anderson, with his extensive experience from five Australian tours, may step in over winter if Southee cannot commit long-term.
England’s international season kicks off on 22 May with a Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. This will be followed by a five-match series against India, and limited-overs encounters with the West Indies and South Africa. September will see a T20I tour of Ireland. Squad announcements for the Zimbabwe Test are expected on Friday, with Essex paceman Sam Cook likely receiving his first call-up amidst several injuries that have hit the bowling ranks.
Southee is already scheduled to play in England this summer with the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, having signed a £63,000 contract. Whilst he’s expressed an interest in continuing on the franchise circuit, his new coaching role with the ECB may pause his playing for now. Fortunately, the scheduling of matches should allow room for involvement in both given the minimal clashes with international fixtures.
Meanwhile, Anderson’s yet to play in the County Championship for Lancashire due to a calf injury. He’s missed early Division Two games and will also skip the match against Gloucestershire, possibly sitting out the Northamptonshire clash too.
The position of England’s bowling consultant remains a focus, with Southee’s prospective involvement promising to bring both continuity and expertise to the team.
