England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test match for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
