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England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

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

Speaking as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

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

English pace icon Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a bad Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."

But, before the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood