England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
