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England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, 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 warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.

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

"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.

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

However, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood