England's Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Availability

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

The ex- Kiwi seamer is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the International League T20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad 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 next little while."

England pace icon Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in no uncertainty over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

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

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

However, prior to the English team travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood