England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
