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England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement 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 due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.

"We'll see what happens over the next little while."

England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on November 21.

"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," he remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood