England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
