England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test for the Kiwis was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, before the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
