England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation
The bowler's most recent Test for New Zealand was versus England in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."
English pace icon Broad had stated 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.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood