Former New Zealand cricket star Tim Southee has signed a one-year contract to play for Lancashire. He will additionally work with the England cricket team as a fast-bowling consultant. Southee announced his retirement from international cricket in December. He capped the end of his illustrious career with one last match against England, on his home ground in Hamilton.
Even at an advanced cricketing age of 36 years, Southee maintains a phenomenal international record. Having already bagged 391 Test wickets to date, he is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker, trailing Sir Richard Hadlee’s 431 by a small margin. His extensive experience and success in various conditions around the world make him a valuable asset to the England coaching staff.
Despite his coaching responsibilities with England, Southee will prioritize his playing commitments with Lancashire during the first part of the home summer. He will work alongside assistant coach Jeetan Patel as a pace-bowling specialist, a role that became essential after the retirement of James Anderson, who previously filled this gap in the coaching staff.
Southee had a particularly warm relationship with England’s head coach Brendon McCullum. After scaling back his international career, he gave a now-famous presentation to his teammates. It was an impressive presentation that seasoned enough to pay homage to the years of respect and camaraderie felt by and between Southee and McCullum.
England’s management expressed confidence in Southee’s capabilities, stating, “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.”
Southee could be back on the England coaching staff for the next Ashes series – the ECB must weigh short- and long-term needs here. This decision would greatly increase his power over the team’s fast-bowling approach.
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