Australia’s world champion Women’s Cricket Team take on their first challenge of the blockbuster summer of cricket tonight in Mackay.

The three-match series against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand will provide a fantastic warm-up for the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai followed by the white-ball series against India and culminating in the eagerly awaited CommBank Women’s Ashes series.

The Australian Women’s Team will compete for their fourth consecutive ICC T20 World Cup title – an achievement no other men’s or women’s team has accomplished in the history of the sport.

Australia’s stellar achievement across all formats makes them arguably the most successful team in world sport, and this World Cup offers yet another chance to build their legacy.

Following the tournament, the players will return home for the Weber Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). In its landmark tenth season, the WBBL continues to grow as the premier women’s cricket league globally. The return of the Stadium Series will showcase top-tier cricket at major venues across the country, reflecting the league’s expanding fan base and reputation for world-class competition.

A three game CommBank ODI series against India in early December will be a thrilling lead-in to the ultimate challenge of the home summer – the CommBank Women’s Ashes series, which will include a historic Day-Night Test at the MCG, where Australia will aim to retain the coveted trophy in front of a home crowd.

Captained by Alyssa Healy, the Australian squad is packed with star power, blending seasoned champions with the next generation of cricketing talent.

Ellyse Perry continues to shine as one of cricket’s greatest, while Beth Mooney remains the top ranked women’s T20 batter in the world. Rising stars Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland add further depth, with Sutherland having made her mark in the 2023 Ashes by scoring the fastest Test century by an Australian woman.

Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley said:

“We’re incredibly proud of this team and their remarkable achievements. They’ve set the standard not only in cricket but in global sport.

“Tonight’s series opener in Mackay begins what promises to be a massive season, with the chance to make history at the ICC T20 World Cup before returning for a groundbreaking home Ashes series, including a Day Night Test at the MCG on the 90th anniversary of the first women’s Test match.

“This team continues to inspire a generation of young Australians, setting the benchmark on and off the field, and we cannot wait for the summer of cricket ahead.”

Fans can watch all the action when Australia takes on New Zealand live on the Seven Network, 7Plus, Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports and ABC Radio.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be live and exclusive on Prime Video from October 3.

Tickets for the summer ahead are available at cricket.com.au.

2024-25 SUMMER OF WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

CommBank Women’s T20I Series v New Zealand

• 19 September: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay?(N)
• 22 September: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay (N)
• 24 September: Allan Border Field, Brisbane (N)

CommBank Women’s ODI Series v India

• 5 December: Allan Border Field, Brisbane (D/N)
• 8 December: Allan Border Field, Brisbane (D)
• 11 December: WACA Ground, Perth (D/N)

CommBank Women’s Ashes ODI Series

• 12 January: North Sydney Oval, Sydney (D)
• 14 January: Junction Oval, Melbourne (D)
• 17 January: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (D)

CommBank Women’s Ashes T20I Series

• 20 January: SCG, Sydney (N)
• 23 January: Manuka Oval, Canberra (N)
• 25 January: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (N)

CommBank Women’s Ashes Test Match

• 30 January-2 February: MCG, Melbourne (D/N)