Edwards outlines key Ashes battles, threats

The Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes begin on Sunday when Australia and England meet in the opening one-day international at Brisbane's Allan Border Field.

The world's two best teams will play off in three ODIs, one day-night Test and three T20Is between now and November 21, with the side that earns the most points to walk away with the coveted trophy.

There's no bigger battle in cricket than the Ashes and with England desperate to carry on their success from the recent World Cup by regaining the Ashes, former England captain Charlotte Edwards has shared her tips for the series with cricket.com.au.

What does England have to nail to win the Ashes?

Charlotte Edwards: "They've got to adapt quickly to the pitches over here. It's very different bowling over here so although England have got a strong bowling attack, they'll be good pitches and the Aussie players love playing in Australia and perform well here, so it's about England adapting quickly."

What will be the key battle?

Edwards: "Australia's top order – Nicole Bolton, Beth Mooney, Rachael Haynes – against England's firepower of Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole. Also, England's left-arm spinners. Alex Hartley (troubled Australia) in the World Cup and they've added Sophie Ecclestone to the squad. So how the Aussies play them through the middle overs will be crucial. And I think for England, we'll have to be wary of players like leg-spinners Amanda- Jade Welling and Kristen Beams, as well as Australia's batting order, they bat deep."

One piece of advice for England?

Edwards: "Don't look too far ahead. Every match is so important with points on every game so it's about not getting too carried away when you're doing really well and equally, not getting too down when you're not. That's part of the experience of this series, it's some of the best series you'll ever play in, in terms of playing across all formats."

Who poses the biggest threat in the Australian XI?

Edwards: "Ellyse Perry. In the last two Ashes series she's been player of the series and without doubt she's one of the leading batters in the world and handy with the ball as well. I think she'll be someone they'll be targeting. Also I think in Australia's bowling attack, if (leg-spinner) Amanda-Jade Wellington gets an opportunity she'll be someone England will have to be wary off. She turns the ball, has good variation and she can bat as well. She's a super young talent coming through."

Who are the key players for England?

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Heather Knight

Captain, batter| 26yo | right-hand bat | right-arm off-spin

Edwards: "It's really important that the captain leads from the front. You always make better decisions when playing well as a captain. I'm certain she'll perform well and relish playing an Ashes series. She's done brilliantly to take over and win a World Cup within 18 months as captain, she's done a great job."

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Natalie Sciver

Allrounder | 25yo | right-hand bat | right-arm medium

Edwards: "Sciver is really important with both bat and ball. She brings an extra dynamic to the England team. She's a hard hitter and her useful overs with the ball will be important for England to go well."

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Katherine Brunt

Allrounder | 32yo | right-hand bat | right-arm fast

Edwards: "It's not just her opening overs with the ball but also her middle-order batting will be crucial for England to get those big scores they want and to chase down. Her batting is just as important to England as her bowling now."

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Alex Hartley

Bowler | 24yo | right-hand bat | left-arm orthodox

Edwards: "Alex Hartley brings the left-arm orthodox option and she's been so successful against Australia in the past. Hartley changed the game against Australia in the World Cup, getting the big wicket of Meg Lanning. Her overs in that game definitely changed the momentum of the game."

Who will provide the X-factor?

Edwards: "Katherine Brunt. I feel like this might be her last Ashes series and she performs on the big stage with bat and ball. If England do well here, I think Katherine will play a big role in that."

Who's a young gun ready to rise to the challenge?

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Fran Wilson

Batter | 25yo | right-hand bat | right-arm off-spin

Edwards: "She showed glimpses in the World Cup that she can perform at international level and she now needs to string some performances together. There's no bigger series to do that than this. I think she'll like the pitches over here and she'll enjoy her first Ashes Test."

Who will be player of the series?

Edwards: Katherine Brunt.

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.

Schedule

First ODI Allan Border Field, October 22

Brisbane Charity Partner: Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust

Second ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 26

Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29

Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT