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

The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

"We'll see what happens over the next little while."

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood