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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

Southee, aged 36, took up a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

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

However, prior to the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood