England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
