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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as England'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 first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia side 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 remarked.

"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

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

However, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood