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England bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

"We will determine what happens over the coming days."

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.

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

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [England's] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

However, prior to the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood