England Women's Cricket vs. Australia: Complete Preview for 1st ODI

If the fierce rivalry between the men wasn't enough, England and Australia lock horns in the women's game as Ashes fever continues to dominate the British summer.

After a one-off Test match, both nations are set to compete in a three-game one-day international series, before finishing the summer with three T20 clashes.

Here's a look ahead to the first match of the 50-over competition.

Who: England Women vs. Australia Women

What: First One-Day International

When: Tuesday, August 20, 10:45am BST

Where: Lord's, London

Recent Form

Australia go into the series as the 2013 ICC World Cup champions, having won the trophy in India earlier this year.

England finished the tournament a disappointing third, losing two of their six matches, while Australia fell to just one surprise defeat against the West Indies—which actually proved more damaging to England's chances of progression.

Both sides met in the Super Six stage in what proved a thrilling encounter full of drama and a high standard of cricket.

Defending 147, Australia eventually prevailed by just two runs, although a last-wicket partnership of 31 took Charlotte Edwards' side to within one shot of a stunning victory.

Since then, England recently enjoyed a 2-0 win over Pakistan in the 50-over format, as they looked to recapture their form.

Key Players

Holly Ferling will be essential viewing in this tournament. Just 17, Ferling was one of the stars of the World Cup and was influential in Australia's win over England by taking three key wickets.

Despite only playing four one-day internationals so far, she's already taken nine wickets and is destined to become one of the leading players in women's cricket going forward.

Heather Knight will be one of the players hoping to keep Ferling's wicket-count low during this series. Knight has already impressed against Australia this summer, top scoring with a gritty century in the Test match, her maiden three-figure score for her country.

England will hope Knight can maintain this form throughout the summer and solidify the batting order, which has often been the weaker department against the Australians.

Prediction

Australia will hit the ground running in this first clash and should continue their recent dominance in this form of the game, coming away with an early win.

England should be competitive in this series, but may be playing catch-up after Lord's.