England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
England bowling legend 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 starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
