England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
