England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant 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 seamer is expected to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
