England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test 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 the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
