England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood