England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test match for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.
The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee said.
"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."
But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Wood
