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England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, took up a role as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.

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

English bowling legend 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 contest, which begins on November 21.

"In my view there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he said.

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

However, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood