England bowling consultant Tim Southee is “still working through” what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December, in the United Arab Emirates.
Southee, 36, took up a position as England’s fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.
Speaking as England’s team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: “We’re still working through that at the moment.
“We’ll see what happens over the next little while.”
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their “worst team since 2010”, but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.
“I don’t think there’s ever a bad Australian cricket team,” Southee said.
“Our focus is firmly on what we’re trying to do. I think the quality of [England’s] side that’s going out to Australia is brilliant.
“It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is.”
But, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.
England XI v New Zealand:
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Phil Salt
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Jos Buttler
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Jacob Bethell
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Harry Brook (c)
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Tom Banton
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Sam Curran
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Jordan Cox
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Brydon Carse
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Liam Dawson
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Adil Rashid
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Luke Wood