England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt 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.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, before England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
