England Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [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 the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
