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England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he said.

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

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

However, before the English team travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood