England's Coach Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
