England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability

England's 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- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand 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 Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he said.

"Our focus is firmly on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

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

But, prior to the English team travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood