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

The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

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

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] 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 eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood