England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood