England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler'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 during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
