England Coach Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation
Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
