England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
