England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's last Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
