England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
