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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

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

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

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.

"We will determine what happens over the next little while."

English pace icon Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood