England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
The bowler's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
