England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
