England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
