LONDON — England's preparations for the highly anticipated 2025-26 Ashes tour to Australia have encountered an early, unexpected hurdle, with bowling consultant Tim Southee revealing he is "still working through" his personal availability for the marquee series.
The veteran New Zealand seamer, who joined the England setup in a part-time advisory role earlier this year, finds himself at a career crossroads. The central conflict lies in the potential clash between his coaching commitments with England and his enduring desire to continue representing his country as a player, particularly in Test cricket.
The Dual Role Dilemma
Southee's appointment as a bowling consultant was widely praised, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the England dressing room. However, the role was initially understood to be flexible, designed to work around his playing schedule with the Black Caps. The Ashes series, a grueling five-Test marathon scheduled from November 2025 to January 2026, presents a unique challenge due to its length and timing.
When questioned directly about his plans for the Australian tour, Southee was notably non-committal. "It's something we're still working through," he told reporters. "The Ashes is a special tournament, and to be involved in any way is a great honor. But I'm also a New Zealand cricketer, and that comes with its own schedule and commitments that I take very seriously."
This ambiguity places both the England and New Zealand cricket boards in a delicate position. Key considerations currently being weighed include:
- The duration of the Ashes tour, which could see him away from New Zealand cricket for over two months.
- New Zealand's own home international schedule during that same southern summer.
- Southee's physical conditioning and whether he can maintain his bowling fitness while in a primarily coaching role.
A Player's Ambition vs. a Coach's Duty
At 35, Southee remains a pivotal figure in the New Zealand Test attack. He sits just 13 wickets shy of surpassing the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee as New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket—a milestone of immense personal and national significance. The pursuit of this record is a powerful motivator to continue playing at the highest level for as long as possible.
Southee acknowledged the pull of this achievement, stating, "Any kid who grows up playing cricket in New Zealand dreams of playing for the Black Caps, and to be close to a record held by someone like Sir Richard is something you don't take lightly. It's a driving force."
Conversely, his work with England's burgeoning pace attack, including the likes of Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, has been described as "invaluable" by team management. His insights into bowling in Australian conditions, honed over years of international competition, are precisely the kind of expertise England sought when bringing him into the fold.
The Precedent of Part-Time Coaches
The modern cricket landscape has seen an increase in such hybrid roles, but rarely with a current, high-profile international player from a rival nation. Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg has served as a consultant for various teams while playing in T20 leagues, and the late, great Shane Warne had informal mentoring roles. However, Southee's situation is distinct due to the high-stakes, historic nature of the Ashes rivalry.
An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson offered a cautiously supportive statement: "We were aware of Tim's playing commitments when we appointed him. We are in positive dialogue with him and New Zealand Cricket to find a workable solution that benefits all parties."
The View from New Zealand Cricket
For their part, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has publicly supported Southee's right to explore coaching opportunities, recognizing the value it brings to his own development. However, privately, there is understood to be a preference for their premier fast bowler to be available for selection and conditioning with the national team.
NZC CEO Scott Weenink previously commented on the arrangement, saying, "We encourage our players to think about their post-playing careers. Tim's role with England is a fantastic opportunity for him, and we believe it can make him an even better leader within our own group."
The coming months will be critical in Southee's decision-making process. New Zealand's schedule in the lead-up to the Ashes will likely determine his availability and fitness. Key factors he and the boards will monitor include:
- His workload during New Zealand's Test series against India and Sri Lanka.
- Any potential for injury that could alter his playing trajectory.
- Formal negotiations between the ECB and NZC regarding his release.
What It Means for England's Ashes Plans
From England's perspective, losing Southee's on-ground presence in Australia would be a significant blow. Head coach Brendon McCullum, a fellow Kiwi, was instrumental in his appointment and values his calm demeanor and tactical acumen. Southee's ability to communicate bowling plans and work one-on-one with bowlers during a high-pressure series is seen as a key asset.
However, the team does have contingency plans. Former England bowlers, such as Graham Onions and Chris Silverwood, have been involved in the pathway system and could step into a more prominent role if required. The core of England's coaching philosophy, driven by McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, is also firmly established, potentially mitigating Southee's absence.
As the cricket world looks ahead to the next great Ashes battle, the situation remains unresolved. Southee himself seems torn between two compelling paths. "It's a privileged position to be in, to have these options," he conceded. "But it's not a straightforward decision. My heart is with the Black Caps, but I've also made a commitment to England, and I don't take that lightly either."
The resolution of this dilemma will not only shape Southee's own legacy but also subtly influence the strategic preparations for one of sport's most storied contests. For now, the question of whether England's bowling consultant will be in the dressing room or on the field against them remains tantalizingly open.