England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was versus the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side 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."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
