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

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.

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

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood