England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on The Ashes Availability

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

The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

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

England bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood