England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation

Tim Southee

The bowler's last Test match for New Zealand was against the English side in December 2024.

England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts 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 taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.

"We will determine what happens over the coming days."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.

"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 absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

However, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

  • Salt

  • Buttler

  • Jacob Bethell

  • Harry Brook (c)

  • Tom Banton

  • Sam Curran

  • Jordan Cox

  • Brydon Carse

  • Liam Dawson

  • Adil Rashid

  • Wood

Dwayne Bailey
Dwayne Bailey

An avid hiker and Venice local with over 10 years of experience leading trekking tours through the city's less-traveled paths.