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 fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.
Southee, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.
Commenting as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.
"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."
England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.
"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," he said.
"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
Phil Salt
Buttler
Bethell
Brook (captain)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Carse
Liam Dawson
Rashid
Wood