England's Coach Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
