England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability

England bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test due to 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 fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Speaking as the English squad for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

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

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

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

"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

But, before England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood