Tim Southee: England add New Zealand great to coaching staff

Southee’s immediate task will be to guide an inexperienced fast-bowling unit at the beginning of a crucial year, with an away Ashes series following the contest against India.

Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Olly Stone are all absent from the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, beginning next Thursday.

The pace bowlers in the squad are Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue and the uncapped Sam Cook, meaning England could field their most inexperienced seam attack in a home Test since 2003.

Although England sounded out other candidates for the role, Southee emerged as the leading contender last month.

Only the great Sir Richard Hadlee, with 431, has taken more than Southee’s 391 Test wickets for New Zealand. He ended his international career against England on his home ground in Hamilton just before Christmas, after which McCullum made a presentation to Southee on the outfield.

Along with assistant coach Jeetan Patel, England now have three New Zealanders in their backroom staff.

Before Anderson retired England did not have a pace-bowling specialist in their coaching staff. After the 42-year-old ended his record-breaking international career, he remained a near-constant presence in the England dressing room.

But he has signed a one-year deal to play with Lancashire this summer, which he has stated will be his priority ahead of coaching commitments with England.

Anderson is yet to play this season because of a calf injury. He could rejoin the England staff for the Ashes series.