England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to 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, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood
