🔗 Share this article

England bowling consultant Southee is still working through what his involvement will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The former Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be present for the opening match due to his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, aged 36, assumed a position as the English team's pace bowling advisor in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

Commenting as the English team for the first of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, Southee stated of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

English pace icon Stuart Broad had declared the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which starts on 21 November.

"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the quality of [England's] side that's going out to the host country is brilliant.

"It should be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] English and Australian people eagerly anticipate it, I believe the entire cricketing community is."

However, before England head to the city of Perth for the opening Ashes Test, they take on the Kiwis in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Dawson

• Adil Rashid

• Wood