England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on The Ashes Participation

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

The former New Zealand seamer is only likely to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

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

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

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

"In my view there's ever a poor Aussie side," he remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [England's] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

But, prior to England head to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand: