England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
