England Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation

Tim Southee

The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.

England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

"We will determine what happens over the next little while."

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," he said.

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

But, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

  • Salt

  • Jos Buttler

  • Jacob Bethell

  • Harry Brook (c)

  • Banton

  • Curran

  • Jordan Cox

  • Brydon Carse

  • Liam Dawson

  • Rashid

  • Luke Wood

Sean Schwartz
Sean Schwartz

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