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England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

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 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

English pace icon Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

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

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to 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 the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood