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England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

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

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."

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

"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood