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England bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The former New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Speaking as the English squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.

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

England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad 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 at any time a poor Australian cricket team," Southee said.

"The team's attention is firmly on our own objectives. I think the caliber of [England's] side that's heading out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

But, before the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood