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

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

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

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

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.

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

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

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood