England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
