England Coach Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
