By Glen Robertson
Australia skipper Jodie Fields wants her side to hit the ground running when the Women’s Ashes starts tomorrow in Perth.
The hosts are looking to regain the Ashes having surrendered them in the summer, with Charlotte Edwards leading England to a 12 points to four success.
That series, the first multi-format one, saw the Test match end in a draw at Wormsley and the two teams enter the limited-overs games all square.
But with the pitch at the WACA more suited to forcing a result, Fields knows the importance of gaining control early on if her side are to be the ones who are picking up an early six points.
“The Test match is very important, there is no doubt about it,” she said. “We’re here to win the Test match.
“The first two hours is a great chance for us to build momentum for the rest of the game and we’re really keen to do that.
“It was a really good opportunity to play at Wormsley. It was tough conditions and a really good batting track over there but I do think the WACA is going to aid the bowlers, in particular early on, and it will be important we really use the new ball wisely.
“It’s a great place to bat and it’s a great place to bowl and I’m really confident in our side that whatever happens with the toss that we can play really good cricket.”
Fields believes the Australia team are in good form having returned from the defeat in England to perform their respective clubs. And the wicketkeeper is hopeful that the competitive cricket will have them warmed up nicely for the Ashes contest.
She said: “It was a disappointing series for us in England and we’re very keen to right that here.
“We’ve all gone home to our domestic teams and we’re all in form. The team is in a really good place and playing some really positive cricket and we can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.”
On a wicket that is expected to produce a result, Fields knows her bowlers are likely to be vital and she is pleased with the players she has at her disposal.
“It’s exciting to have Rene Farrell back in the team. She’s a really aggressive bowler, really positive and (it is great) also having Holly (Ferling) and Ellyse (Perry).
“It’s a great attack to be playing an the WACA and there should be some really good carry through to the keeper and the slips. They’ll be really important for us.”
Follow the Women's Ashes ball-by-ball via the following media:
Live Scores: www.ecb.co.uk and www.cricket.com.au
Twitter: @ECB_cricket and @SouthernStars
Television: live stream at www.cricket.com.au
Radio: 5 Live Sports Extra, ABC Grandstand or online via www.cricket.com.au/live/audio-stream