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England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

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

English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood