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

The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets 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 moment.

"We will determine what happens over the coming days."

England pace icon Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.

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

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood