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England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, took up a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

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

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.

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

"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [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 take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood