England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the next little while."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
