England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
