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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, 36, took up a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," he said.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. 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, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood