England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was against England in the final month of 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.
"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 Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
