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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, 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 claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

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

"We'll see what happens over the coming days."

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

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

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood