England's Coach Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
