England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was against England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 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.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
