England's Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation

England fast-bowling advisor Southee is still working through what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

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

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the warmer months after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for New Zealand.

Commenting as England's team for the opening of three Twenty20 games against the Kiwis was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating that at the present time.

"We'll see the outcome over the coming days."

English pace icon Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

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

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] side that's going out to Australia is brilliant.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v the Kiwis: