England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
