England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis 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."
England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
