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England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest 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 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

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

However, before the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood