England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading 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 think the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood