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England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

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

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.

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

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

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

However, prior to England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood