England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We'll see 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 contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood