England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation

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

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.

"We'll see what happens over the coming days."

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

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

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

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood