England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Availability

England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

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

Speaking as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Broad had declared the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's ever a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.

"Our focus is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It should 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 New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood