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England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."

England pace icon 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 contest, which starts on November 21.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's going out to Australia is excellent.

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

However, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood