England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt 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," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
