England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Broad had stated the Australian 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 poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
