England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test match 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 during the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
