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

The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

But, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood