England Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, before England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
