England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team 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.
"I don't think 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 [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
