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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.

"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," he said.

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

However, prior to the English team travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood