England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
