England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the next little while."
England pace icon Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
