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England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

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

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.

"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

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

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

However, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood