England's Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
