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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

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

But, prior to the English team head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood