England's Coach Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," he said.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community 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:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
