England Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for New Zealand was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
