With the India series coming up next month, the England cricket team on Thursday appointed former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee as a Specialist Skills Consultant till the conclusion of the five-match Test series. The tour will start with the first Test at Leeds on June 20, and the tour will conclude with the July 31-August 4 fifth Test at the Oval. “With his vast experience of playing in a wide range of conditions around the world and across all formats, he brings valuable insight and knowledge to the players. Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement. “Following his consultancy stint, he will resume playing duties in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix,” it added. Last year, Southee announced his retirement and finished his career with 391 wickets in 203 innings, and has also contributed with the bat over time. He has seven half centuries to his name, highest being 77*, and in his last match, equalled …