England Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
