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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation 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 "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," he remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

However, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood