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England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.

Southee, 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee 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 poor Aussie side," he said.

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

"It should 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, before England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood