England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
