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England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes contest in the host nation.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is expected to be available for the opening match due to his participation in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, took up a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, he stated of his availability: "We're still working through that at the moment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

England XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Sam Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood