England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Broad had declared the Australia side 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.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, before England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
