England's Coach Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test match for New Zealand was versus 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 series in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand 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 UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team 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 ever a poor Australian cricket team," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
