England are reportedly considering hiring former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee as their new fast-bowling consultant ahead of a hectic home summer. This comprises a one-off Test against Zimbabwe and a significant five-match Test series against India from June 20. Tim Southee, 36, retired from Test cricket in December 2024. He finished his red-ball career with 391 wickets in 107 matches, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in Tests behind Sir Richard Hadlee, who had 431 wickets. Southee is also the highest wicket-taker by any New Zealand player in all formats, taking a total of 776 wickets in 394 matches. Why England Is Searching for a New Bowling Consultant England's previous fast-bowling coach, James Anderson, replaced the position when he retired from international cricket. Nevertheless, he will not be available during the domestic season this summer due to his playing commitment for Lancashire. That is why the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is currently searching for someone new for the position. Also Read | KKR Clears the Air on Kuldeep-Rinku Slap Incident in IPL 2025 One of the reasons Southee is in consideration is his close friendship with England head coach Brendon McCullum. The two have played together for New Zealand for a long time. Brendon McCullum is already in England's setup, and so is another New Zealander Jeetan Patel, who is England's spin bowling coach and assistant coach. If Tim Southee is picked, he will be the third member from New Zealand in England's coaching staff. He might even be a part of the team as early as the Test series against India. England have struggled in recent Test cricket. They have suffered in the World Test Championship (WTC) and were fifth place in the cycle for 2023–25. This coming summer will represent a significant challenge for the side to get some of their best form back into red-ball cricket.