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England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's team for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

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

But, prior to England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood