England Coach Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the next little while."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," he said.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
