England Coach Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
