England's Coach Tim Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation

England's fast-bowling advisor Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We will determine 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 no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on November 21.

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

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

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

However, before England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood