England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
