England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
