England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test match for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the next little while."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
