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England fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Commenting as England's team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee said of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

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

English pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he remarked.

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to the English team travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Luke Wood