England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood