🔗 Share this article England's Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation The bowler's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was against the English side in December 2024. England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation. The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE. Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis. Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the moment. "We will determine what happens over the next little while." English pace icon Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November. "In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked. "Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is excellent. "It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is." However, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday. England's Playing XI v New Zealand: Salt Buttler Jacob Bethell Harry Brook (c) Banton Sam Curran Cox Brydon Carse Liam Dawson Adil Rashid Luke Wood