England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
