England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability

Tim Southee

Tim Southee's most recent Test for New Zealand was against England in the final month of 2024.

England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

"We'll see what happens over the next little while."

England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

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

However, before England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

  • Phil Salt

  • Jos Buttler

  • Bethell

  • Brook (captain)

  • Tom Banton

  • Curran

  • Jordan Cox

  • Brydon Carse

  • Dawson

  • Rashid

  • Luke Wood

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