England's Coach Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he said.
"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [the English] side 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 entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
