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England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, he stated of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.

"I don't think there's ever a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's going out to Australia is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

However, prior to the English team head to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood