England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was versus the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, 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
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
