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England's bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

England pace icon Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's going out to Australia is excellent.

"It should 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."

But, before the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood