England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, before the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
