England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [the English] team that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on 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
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
