England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in December 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the opening 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 what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
