England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is firmly 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 absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
