🔗 Share this article England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation Tim Southee's most recent Test for the Kiwis was versus England in December 2024. England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates. Southee, 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis. Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time. "We will determine the outcome over the coming days." English pace icon Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21. "I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked. "The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent. "It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is." But, 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 the Kiwis: Salt Buttler Jacob Bethell Brook (captain) Banton Curran Jordan Cox Carse Dawson Adil Rashid Luke Wood