England's Coach Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation

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

England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand: