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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 Australia.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

"We'll see what happens over the next little while."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

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

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

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood