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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

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

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

Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," he said.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood