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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.

Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which starts on November 21.

"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to England head to 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)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood