England's Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability
The bowler's most recent Test match for the Kiwis was against England in the final month of 2024.
England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.
The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.
Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.
"We'll see what happens over the coming days."
England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.
"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.
"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.
"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."
However, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.
England XI v the Kiwis:
Salt
Buttler
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook (c)
Tom Banton
Curran
Cox
Brydon Carse
Dawson
Rashid
Luke Wood