🔗 Share this article

England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating what his involvement will be at the upcoming Ashes contest in Australia.

The ex- Kiwi pace bowler is expected to be available for the opening match due to his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which starts on December 2 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after claiming 391 scalps in 107 Test matches for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's team for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was named, he stated of his participation: "We are still evaluating the situation at the present time.

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

England pace icon Stuart Broad had stated the Australian team as their "weakest squad since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the series, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Australian cricket team," he remarked.

"Our focus is firmly 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 excellent.

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

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Bethell

• Brook (captain)

• Tom Banton

• Sam Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood