England Coach Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was versus the English side in December 2024.
England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.
The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England pace icon Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.
"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he said.
"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Banton
Sam Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood
