Head coach Brendon McCullum calls former teammate Tim Southee for home Test series against India to help England: Report

England men's cricket team head coach Brendon McCullum has reportedly called recently retired New Zealand pacer Tim Southee for the fast-bowling consultant for home Test summer including five-Test series against India. If Southee agrees, he will fill the position left vacant by former England pacer James Anderson who has signed a one-year deal with Lancashire.

As per a report by BBC, Southee is one of the contenders for the role. He hanged his boots from the format in December 2024 after the Test series against England. With 391 Test wickets, he is New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker in the format, only behind Richard Hadlee (431 wickets).

If Southee joins, he will become the third former New Zealand cricketer in England's coaching staff. Apart from McCullum, Jeetan Patel is in the coaching staff as their spin-bowling coach.

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Southee's record against India

Southee has a good record against India in Tests. He has played 13 Tests and taken 55 wickets at an average of 25.05, including three five-wicket hauls. In the inaugural WTC final between India and New Zealand played in Southampton, he claimed five wickets, including a four-fer in the second innings.

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England's list of injured fast bowlers and those available

Currently, England have a depleted pace attack as Chris Woakes and Mark Wood are injured. The report also claims that England will named their Test squad by the end of this week for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, which begins on May 21.

Currently, they have Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson in the mix. Archer may not feature in the Test against Zimbabwe as he is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Rajasthan Royals (RR). Josh Tongue, Matthew Potts are likely to make it into the squad whereas there is a question mark over Brydon Carse who is recovering from a foot injury. Also, Essex's Sam Cook who was rested for the match against Somerset on England Cricket Board's request (ECB) may receive his maiden call-up.

The five-Test series against India begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.