England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," he said.
"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
