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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on November 21.

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

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood