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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

"We'll see what happens over the coming days."

England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

However, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood