🔗 Share this article

England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in the host nation.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is only likely to be present for the first Test due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

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

England pace icon Broad had declared the Australian team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the series, which begins on November 21.

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

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

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

But, before the English team head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they face the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Tom Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood