England Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was against the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
