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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.

"I don't think there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.

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

But, before 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 Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood