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England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Speaking as England's squad 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 will determine the outcome over the next little while."

English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's ever a bad Aussie side," Southee said.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

But, 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's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood