England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team'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 Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad 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 ever a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
