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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 Australia.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.

"We will determine what happens over the coming days."

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," he said.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood