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

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available 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, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.

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

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood