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England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

"We will determine what happens over the next little while."

England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.

"It should 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 head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood