England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test 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, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood