England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was versus the English side in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series 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 International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
