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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English 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 present time.

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

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee said.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

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

However, before the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood