England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation

England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role 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 involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

Southee, 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he said of his participation: "We are still evaluating that at the moment.

"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," Southee remarked.

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

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I think the whole cricket world is."

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood