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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

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

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.

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

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

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

But, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood