England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
