Tim Southee Set for Limited Role in Upcoming Ashes Series

Tim Southee, the former New Zealand cricketer, is poised to serve a limited role as a fast bowling consultant for England during the Ashes series. However, he is likely to be available only for the first Test, which begins on November 21, 2024. Southee, who concluded his international playing career with an impressive tally of 391 wickets in 107 Tests, joined England’s coaching staff earlier this summer.

Southee’s participation in the Ashes is complicated by his commitments to the ILT20 league, which is set to start on December 2, 2024. This scheduling adjustment was made to prevent overlap with the T20 World Cup, taking place in February. As a result, the 36-year-old may focus on preparing England’s bowlers in Perth before departing for the United Arab Emirates shortly after the first Test.

When asked about his involvement in the Ashes, Southee stated, “We’re still working through that at the moment. We’ll see what happens over the next little while.” He emphasized his enthusiasm for the upcoming five-match series, dismissing claims by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad that this is the weakest Australian team since 2010/11.

“I don’t think there’s ever a bad Australian cricket team,” Southee remarked. He praised the talent within the current England squad, asserting, “I think the quality of (England’s) side that’s going out to Australia is brilliant. It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only are English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is.”

Southee’s temporary role with England has been extended to cover their white-ball tour in New Zealand, starting with the first of three T20 matches in Christchurch on November 18, 2024. In preparation for this series, England has announced their lineup, featuring Harry Brook returning as captain, while Jordan Cox is set to bat at number seven.

Alongside Brook, seamers Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, and Luke Wood will also feature in the squad, with spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson expected to play pivotal roles. The inclusion of part-time bowler Jacob Bethell could further diversify England’s bowling attack.

This upcoming match will mark the first occasion Southee faces his home country since taking on a coaching role. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed his eagerness to work with Brendon McCullum, his former captain and current head coach of England. “It will be strange but I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed playing under Brendon as a player, and to be sharing a dressing room again with him in a different capacity has been really enjoyable. It was too good not to take up.”

As the Ashes series approaches, anticipation builds not just in England and Australia, but throughout the global cricket community, eager to witness what promises to be an exciting contest.