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England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

English pace icon Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

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

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood