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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

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

English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.

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

However, before England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood