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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.

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

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

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

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.

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

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

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood