England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for New Zealand was versus the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, before England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
