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England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was named, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.

"We will determine what happens over the coming days."

England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

But, before the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood