England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
