England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English pace icon Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
