England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for New Zealand was against England in December 2024.
England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the next little while."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on 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
Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
