England Coach Tim Southee Uncertain on Ashes Participation

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

The ex- New Zealand pace bowler is only likely to be present for the opening match because of his involvement in the ILT20 competition, which begins on 2 December in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a role as England's pace bowling advisor in the summer after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as England's squad for the first of three T20 matches against the Kiwis was named, Southee said of his participation: "We're still working through that at the present time.

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

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which starts on November 21.

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

"The team's attention is firmly on what we're trying to do. In my opinion the caliber of [the English] team that's heading out to Australia is excellent.

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

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

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Salt

• Buttler

• Jacob Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Jordan Cox

• Brydon Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood