England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," he remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
