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

The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We will determine what happens over the next little while."

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

"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood