England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English pace icon Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
