England's Coach Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation

England's fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, 36, assumed a position as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian side as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

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

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

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

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood