Ashes defence the missing piece for Haynes

Rachael Haynes has captained an Australian Ashes defence and won World Cups, but when she looks back across her achievements in the green and gold, there's still one big thing missing: Playing in a winning Ashes team on foreign soil.

Amending that gap in her resume is priority No.1 for the Australian vice-captain as she prepares for next month's Ashes series in the United Kingdom, a multi-format contest that will see the fierce rivals do battle in three ODIs, one Test and three T20Is.

"I'd love to change that," Haynes told cricket.com.au. "One thing we know about England is they're a strong team and at home they're pretty formidable and enjoy their home conditions.

"We saw that at the 50-over World Cup (in 2017) as well. They've got a strong squad and they're going to be tough to beat but we're definitely up for the challenge and more determined than ever to form some kind of dominance at international level."

Some of the high points of Haynes' career have happened in the UK, as have some of the lowest. 

She couldn't have asked for a more memorable introduction to life as an international cricketer on her maiden tour of England in 2009 – first, she made her Australian debut in an ODI at Lord's, before she received her Baggy Green from Allan Border just days later in Worcester.

Coming to the crease with Australia in serious trouble at 5-28, Haynes shared a 219-run stand with then-captain Jodie Fields, falling agonisingly short of a Test century when she was bowled by spinner Laura Marsh on 98.

"Making my debut was a really fond memory. It feels like a long time ago now to be honest," Haynes said of that first appearance at Lord's.

"I came in for Karen Rolton who got rested for that match and I was very fortunate to make my debut there.

"There was a massive hailstorm that came through and finished the game (early), but it was a really special moment.

"Making my Test debut as well and having Allan Border present my Test cap, it was one of those things you spend your whole career working towards so to when you attain one of those goals it's something very memorable and very special."

This Test came before the introduction of the multi-format, points-based system for the Women's Ashes, and when that game ended in a sodden draw the Ashes trophy remained in English hands.

Haynes' second away Ashes foray in 2013 wasn't one either the left-hander or the Australian team would look back fondly on.

After a drawn Test to start the series, Australia took out the first ODI at Lord's, but it was the last reason the tourists had to smile as they suffered five consecutive defeats, England retaining the Ashes with ease.

"My worst memory was how cold it was at one of the games we played during that series," Haynes said.

"It was the coldest game I've ever been involved in, I was sitting on the bench because I wasn't playing but I was wearing everyone's jumpers who weren't using them and I was like the Michelin Man, but I was still freezing.

"It was the last game of the series and it was so cold, honestly."

Haynes didn't fare much better personally in that series – she was dropped and wouldn't be seen in Australian colours again until early 2017, meaning she missed the triumphant 2015 campaign in the UK, where Meg Lanning led her team to their first series win on English soil since 2001.

The story behind Haynes' international revival has been well-documented, with the NSW native close to retiring from the game in 2016 before being convinced to have one final crack at an Australian return.

Not only was it a success, but so impressed were the Australian brains trust by Haynes' leadership potential, they installed her as Meg Lanning's replacement when the national captain was ruled out of the home Ashes in 2017 following shoulder surgery.

Under her guidance, Australia retained the trophy they'd won back in 2015 when the series finished on eight points apiece.

Haynes may mixed memories when it comes to her experiences in the UK - the failed 2017 ODI World Cup campaign among the worst - but her most recent ones are fond.

Last year she took part in the domestic English Super League, where she turned out for Loughborough Lightning alongside Australian teammate Elyse Villani.

The university town near Leicester is where Australia's Ashes campaign will begin later this month with a week of training and practice matches, something Haynes is looking forward to for more than one reason.

"I was over in England last summer and it was beautiful, it only rained for two days," she said. "I really enjoyed time in Loughborough, so it will be nice to go back and touch base with a few people over there."

And when it comes to the action on field, only one result will be acceptable.

"We finished last season really well, winning the T20 World Cup and having a good series against New Zealand, so we're really keen to push that's possible for our team," she said.

"And that starts with the Ashes."

CommBank Ashes Tour of England

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

June 26: England Academy v Australia, Loughborough

June 28:  England Academy v Australia, Loughborough

July 2: First ODI, Grace Road, Leicester

July 4: Second ODI, Grace Road, Leicester

July 7:  Third ODI, St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury

July 11-13: England Academy v Australia, Marlborough College, Swindon

July 18-21: Only Test, The County Ground, Taunton

July 26: First T20, County Ground, Chelmsford

July 28: Second T20, The County Ground, Hove

July 31: Third T20, Bristol County Ground, Bristol

A Test victory is worth four points (two each for a draw), two points are awarded for ODI and T20 wins