England's Coach Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge 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. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
