England Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
