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

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

Southee, aged 36, took up a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.

"We'll see what happens over the coming days."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," he said.

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

"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

However, before the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood