England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's going out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
