England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for New Zealand was versus England in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation 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 summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."
England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
