England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test for New Zealand was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the next little while."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
