England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
English pace icon Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
