England Bowling Consultant Southee Unsure on Ashes Participation

England's bowling consultant Tim Southee is currently evaluating 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 involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on December 2 in the United Arab Emirates.

Southee, 36, assumed a role as the English team's fast bowling consultant in the summer after taking 391 wickets in 107 Tests for New Zealand.

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

"We will determine the outcome over the coming days."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had stated the Australia side as their "weakest squad since 2010", but the consultant was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.

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

"Our focus is firmly on our own objectives. I think the quality of [the English] team that's heading out to the host country is brilliant.

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

But, before England travel to Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in Christchurch on this Saturday.

England XI v New Zealand: