England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] team that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
