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England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.

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

English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee said.

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

But, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood