Women's Ashes 2015: England and Australia captains ready for action
Tuesday 21 July 2015 06:18, UK
England skipper Charlotte Edwards says the rivalry with Australia will be fierce yet friendly ahead of the start of the Ashes.
The multi-format series, which features three one-dayers, a Test and three Twenty20 matches, starts with an ODI at Taunton on Tuesday and Edwards will lead her English side as they look to retain the urn after winning 10-8 on points down under in 2014.
Soon after the news conference, Australia suffered a major injury scare as left-hand opener Nicole Bolton was hit on the back of the head in the nets.
A week after Australian Chris Rogers was struck on the head by a Jimmy Anderson, Bolton suffered concussion and received treatment after lying down for 10 minutes. SSNHQ reporter Dave Reed said she "looked groggy" but was able to walk away from the nets with assistance.
Speaking before the incident, Edwards and her Australian counterpart Meg Lanning faced the world's press to reflect on this summer's battle, being shown live on Sky Sports Ashes.
Ahead of naming the England team on Monday night, the 35-year-old Kent captain said: "We are excited and can't wait to get under way. We've prepared for months and we're more than ready."
After Jimmy Anderson sparked a friendly war of words between the men's Ashes teams with his accusations that Michael Clarke had refused to share a drink with England after the first Test in Cardiff, the women's skippers insisted the contest would be played in the right spirit.
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"At the end of the series, we'll have a good night," Edwards added. "But (having a drink together) is not something we've done in the women's game in other series.
"There are a lot of good friendships between both teams but for the next six weeks they will be put aside, especially when we’re on the playing field."
When asked if there will be "chirping" (or sledging) between both sets of players, Lanning added: "It's great fun and adds to the theatre of the game. But is always played in a really good spirit. These contests are really tough and this series will be very tough.
"We have a very excited group of girls ready to go. We've had some great preparation and hopefully we’ll go out and start the series well."
Watch the whole of the Women’s Ashes live on Sky Sports, starting with Tuesday’s ODI in Taunton. Coverage begins at 10am on Sky Sports Ashes.
