England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
