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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Speaking as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

However, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood