Tim Southee, fast-bowling coach of England, 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
Not many New Zealanders get the chance to be directly involved in an Ashes cricket series, but former Black Caps bowler Tim Southee is the next in line.
Southee is in New Zealand as a part of the England coaching set-up preparing for the white ball series which starts in Christchurch on Saturday.
It is less than a year since Southee was playing for New Zealand and that was against England in the third Test in Hamilton in December 2024.
In the England camp he is working alongside two other New Zealanders in head coach Brendon McCullum and fellow assistant Jeetan Patel.
One of Southee's first assignments earlier this year was to help England to a drawn Test series against India.
"As a Kiwi being around a group that is heading to an Ashes series is something I never thought I'd be near."
The 36 year old admitted it was an opportunity he couldn't miss.
Tim Southee leads the Black Caps from the field after his final test. Photo: Photosport
McCullum took over as England head coach in 2022 and his first series was against the Black Caps. A year later England hosted Australia in a drawn Ashes series at home.
Patel has been England's spin bowling coach since 2019.
It is now Southee's turn to be a part of the greatest rivalry in cricket, but it is yet to be confirmed.
He said he was still in discussions about his involvement in the series in Australia which starts in a month with the first Test in Perth starting on 21 November.
"We'll see what happens over the next little while."
Southee is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament in the UAE which starts in early December.
As for now his focus is the three T20Is and three ODIs against New Zealand.
So how does he feel about coming up against his former team-mates so soon after his international retirement?
"Once you rock out there in a game and you walk into the other changing room it's slightly different.
"But I'm excited, it's a great chance to be back here in New Zealand for a great series."
Brendon McCullum Head Coach of England with Tim Southee fast-bowling coach of England, 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
Southee made his debut for New Zealand in 2008 and was playing alongside his fellow coaches McCullum and Patel.
"Having played under him as captain, had him coach me in the IPL, I love the way he (McCullum) goes about it and what he is trying to create with this England side."
While Southee was a part of the New Zealand set-up less than a year ago, he doesn't think that gives him any major insights about the Black Caps.
"There aren't too many secrets these days, but I guess having a lttle bit of knowledge between me, Brendon and Jeets on what we will face can help.
"I always follow New Zealand cricket and I always want them to do well. The series between England and New Zealand have always been good on and off the field and they are two sides that know each other well."
Southee was asked about the comments made by England bowling legend Stuart Broad who declared the Australia side to be their "worst team since 2010".
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. 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."
New Zealand umpire Chris Gaffaney was involved in the 2015 and 2023 Ashes series, while Billy Bowden stood in the 2005 and 2013 series.
