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England's bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

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

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood