England's Coach Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation

England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the moment.

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.

"In my view there's at any time a poor Aussie side," he said.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, that series. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

However, prior to England travel to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood