England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated 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 Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
