England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was versus the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to the English team travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
