England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the next little while."
English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
