England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability

England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We will determine what happens over the coming days."

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to England head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood