England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
The bowler's last Test match for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
