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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Commenting as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We'll see what happens over the coming days."

English bowling legend Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," he said.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

However, before England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood