🔗 Share this article

England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former New Zealand seamer is expected to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the International League T20 tournament, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Speaking as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We will determine what happens over the coming days."

England pace icon Broad had stated the Australia team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in no uncertainty over the anticipated challenge during the series, which starts on 21 November.

"In my view there's at any time a bad Australian cricket team," he said.

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

"It should be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the whole cricket world is."

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

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood