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

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

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

Commenting as England's team for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was announced, he said of his availability: "We're still working through that at the present time.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

English bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on November 21.

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

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

"It should be an absolute cracker, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood