England Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," he remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
