England's Coach Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
