England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus the English side in the final month of 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
