England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
