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England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

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

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.

"I don't think there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," he remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

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

However, prior to England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood