England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.
"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
But, before England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Dawson
Adil Rashid
Wood
