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England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, 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 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

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

"We'll see what happens over the coming days."

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt 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 what we're trying to do. I think the caliber 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] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

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

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood