England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."
However, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
