England Coach Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability
The bowler's last Test for the Kiwis was against the English side in the final month of 2024.
England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.
The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.
"We will determine what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared 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 21 November.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee said.
"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."
However, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Phil Salt
Jos Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Jordan Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Luke Wood
