England's Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he said.
"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, before England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
