England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
