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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.

"I don't think there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

However, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood