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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

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

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood