Osborne's Ashes prep in enemy territory

Winning an Ashes Series in England is one of the toughest assignments in world cricket, and NSW off-spinner Erin Osborne is so keen to return the trophy to Australia she is heading across the globe early to continue her preparation.

After a narrow defeat at home in 2014, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will head to the UK in July to play three ODIs, three T20s and a one off Test in a bid to win back the little wooden ball that houses the women's Ashes.Image Id: ~/media/996579682B6442E8915DBEF5639DECD5

Osborne averaged 30 with the ball and 43.50 with the bat in the last Women's Ashes // Getty Images

Osborne was part of the Southern Stars squad that suffered a two point loss to England in the 2014 multi-format series, which comprised Test and ODI matches. The 25-year-old is keen to see Australia turn things around, which is why she'll travel to England later this month to begin her extended preparation.

England adopted a similar ploy ahead of the 2008 Ashes and 2009 World Cup, with several of their top players spending the summer in Sydney acclimatising to conditions. Osborne is looking to reap similar benefits from her time in the English County scene.

"I'm heading over for an eight-week stint with Sussex and also training with the Hampshire Academy," explained Osborne.

"I thought it'd be a good opportunity to play cricket instead of training in Brisbane and Sydney. I think I'll be better prepared for the Ashes that way.

"It's something I've always wanted to do and I figured now's the right time for me to go, so I'm very grateful for the opportunity and Cricket Australia are supporting that move as well."Image Id: ~/media/B0CE2F36B5A745B1A5A4054671CDC91F

England took the honours at home in 2013 // Getty Images

Osborne is confident Australia will be able to reverse last year's result.

"I think women's cricket in Australia is in a really healthy position and I think if we play to our potential, then we'd be disappointed not to walk away with the Ashes," Osborne said.

"I don't think the team will change too much and we have been together now for a few series."Image Id: ~/media/230BC21D7FEC443F83F889AA5D0BB3A9

Osborne was a key player in the Southern Stars' big year // Getty Images

That team will likely feature a number of Osborne's Lend Lease Breakers' teammates after stellar seasons at domestic level saw the perennial powerhouse win both the WNCL and WT20 titles.

"It's always nice having your state teammates with you in the Australian team,” she said.

“Obviously we know each other quite well, we're really relaxed around each other and able to help each other out too.

Osborne collected five wickets in the WT20 final

"That's the wonderful thing about going into the Australian set up from NSW, there are quite a number of players that make that transition and it makes it a lot easier."

The Southern Stars' Ashes campaign gets underway on July 21 in Taunton.

This article first appeared on cricketnsw.com.au