England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the next little while."
England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, before England head 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 New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
