England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation

Tim Southee's most recent Test match for New Zealand was versus England in the final month of 2024.

England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis: