🔗 Share this article

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

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match because of his participation in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, 36, took up a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 scalps in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as the English team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

"We will determine the outcome over the next little while."

English pace icon Stuart 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 remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [the English] side that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

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

But, prior to the English team travel to Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on this Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Wood