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

The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he said.

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

But, before England head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood