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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

However, prior to England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood