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England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

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

However, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood