England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee said 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 Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
