England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," he said.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
