England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
