England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
