England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus the English side in December 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, aged 36, took up a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, before England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood