England's Bowling Consultant Southee Uncertain on The Ashes Participation

England bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating the extent of his role will be at the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be available for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Speaking as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was announced, he said of his participation: "We're still working through the situation at the moment.

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

England bowling legend Broad had stated the Australia team as their "worst team since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over what to expect during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's ever a bad Aussie side," he remarked.

"Our focus is squarely on what we're trying to do. I think the caliber of [the English] team that's going out to the host country is excellent.

"It ought to be an thrilling encounter, that series. Not just [are|do] fans from both nations looking forward to it, I believe the whole cricket world is."

However, prior to the English team head to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England XI v the Kiwis: