England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood