England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test match for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood