England Bowling Consultant Tim Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation

England bowling consultant Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be during the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi seamer is expected to be available for the first Test due to his participation in the ILT20 tournament, which begins 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 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Speaking as England's squad for the opening of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he stated of his availability: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

"We will determine what happens over the next little while."

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad 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 bad Aussie side," he said.

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

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, the Ashes. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

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

England XI v the Kiwis:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood