England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
