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England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Commenting as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.

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

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

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

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

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

But, before England travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood