England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test match for New Zealand was against England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present 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, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the next little while."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
