England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
Tim Southee's last Test for the Kiwis was versus the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
