England Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, 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 pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he said.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
