England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
