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England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.

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

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

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

But, before England travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood