England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
