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

The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

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

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

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

"In my view there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.

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

"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood