England Coach Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
