England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability

England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

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

Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

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

England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.

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

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."

But, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood