England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor 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 the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
