England consider Southee as bowling consultant

Tim Southee, a former New Zealand international, is England’s summer fast-bowling coach.

James Anderson has played the position since he left last summer’s Test, but he is unable to play because of his commitments to Lancashire.

Seamer Southee, 36, became New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker in December when he retired from international cricket.

After making his final start for the Black Caps, he made a presentation to Southee on the outfield in Hamilton. He and England head coach Brendon McCullum are close friends.

Southee would join McCullum and Jeetan Patel as the third New Zealander to join the England set-up.

Other candidates have already been touted for the role, it is reportedly understood.

Next month’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe will be the start of England’s summer. At the end of this week, a squad will be chosen.

A lackluster pace-bowling department will result from Chris Woakes and Mark Wood’s injuries. The most senior seamer will be Gus Atkinson, who has only won 11 of his Tests.

Sam Cook, 27, appears set for his first call-up since England’s request to rest him from Essex’s Championship game against Somerset earlier this month.

The mix also includes Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue. Jofra Archer, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League, may make his England Lions debut in red-ball cricket when they face India A in June while Bryan Carse is recovering from a foot injury.

Before Anderson’s retirement, England’s coaching staff lacked a pace-bowling expert. He remained a nearly constant presence in the England dressing room after the 42-year-old ended his world record-breaking career.

However, he has agreed to spend the summer playing for Lancashire, which he has stated will be his top priority, ahead of his coaching duties with England.