England Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Speaking as the English squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.
"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he said.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.
"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."
But, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England's Playing XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Sam Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
