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England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

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

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

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going 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 whole cricket world is."

However, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood