🔗 Share this article

England bowling consultant Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is expected to be available for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 tournament, which begins on 2 December in the UAE.

Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

"We'll see what happens over the next little while."

England pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.

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

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] side that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

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

But, before England travel to the city of 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:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood