Ebony Rainford-Brent
Former England batter on TNT sports

Australia have lost some of their ruthlessness they had under Meg Lanning. They are not the same team to be feared. They have lost some of that edge.

Ben Jones
CricViz analyst

Image source, Getty Images

More good news: Australia have lost just two of their last 32 ODIs when bowling first, a run going back to 2017. However, one of those defeats was against South Africa on this ground last year, in a rain-affected match.

Two slips in place for Dublin-born Aussie seamer Kim Garth, who draws a few wafts from Maia Bouchier as the white ball hoops away from her.

Her final delivery beats the outside edge of Bouchier's defensive prod.

A maiden to start.

Michelle Goszko
Ex-Australia batter on BBC Sounds

It's an interesting field from the Australia side. They have two catching mid-wickets so they have done their homework, they know Maia Bouchier likes to hit there.

That first no-ball wicket could be one of the most pivotal moments in the game if Bouchier goes on to get a big score.

Henry Moeran
Test Match Special commentator

Australia dominated last time in the 2023 ODIs. They know that if they can get a good start it will be hard for England to stop the green and gold train.

Did that drag on from Maia Boucher affect her? Not in the slightest.

The England opener creams the next ball for front-foot pull for four through mid-on

What an opening over to the Women's Ashes.

A huge let-off for Maia Bouchier. Megan Schutt has overstepped by fraction.

A dramatic start in Sydney.

Maia Bouchier drags her first ball from Megan Schutt on to the stumps. A nightmare start for England?

But hang on, the umpires are checking for a no-ball.

Tammy Beaumont blocks Megan Schutt's first delivery, then works the ball to leg to get off the mark. England are up and running.

Right then, the national anthems with all their pomp and circumstance are done.

Tammy Beaumont has just taken guard with her fellow opener Maia Bouchier at the non-striker's end.

Megan Schutt has the ball in at the top of her mark.

A few butterflies in the stomach, no doubt. Play.

Each white-ball game sees the winner earn two points, while a win in the Test is worth four points.

A white-ball game is either a one-day International or T20 contest.

Any no result, tie or abandoned match in the white-ball matches would see both sides earn one point, while a draw in the Test would see both get two points.

In theory a maximum of 16 points are available, so to win the Ashes you need to get to nine points.

An 8-8 draw, like in the 2023 edition in England, would see Australia retain the Ashes because they are the current holders.

Ben Jones
CricViz analyst

North Sydney Oval is a proper fortress for the Aussie women - they have lost just two of their last 21 matches on this ground. Not the same story for England though, who have played Australia six times here, without victory in any.

Ffion Wynne
BBC Sport cricket writer in Sydney

The commentary box here at the North Sydney Oval isn't exactly perfectly positioned.

Don't get me wrong, the view is stunning, but I'm not going to be much help with lbw appeals or judging whether the ball is swinging.

It's also up quite a high, wobbly tower which isn't exactly helpful for my motion sickness.

The England and Australia teams are pictured above, receiving a traditional Welcome to Country as the game is being played on the land of the Gamaragal people.

Alex Hartley
Former England bowler on No Balls podcast

Image source, Getty Images

It is guaranteed to be exciting – both teams are probably the most equal they have been for the past 15 years in terms of talent and potential. Last year, England proved they are as good as Australia which we weren’t expecting.

England captain Heather Knight: "I would’ve bowled as well. I think it’s going to be a really good wicket and quite hard to defend here. But if we can put on a good score hopefully that will put them under pressure.

"The Ashes are the biggest challenge you will face as an England cricketer. We are excited to come over here again. The 2023 Ashes was the best series I have ever been involved in, the tightness of the contest and the level of cricket on show. I think this series will be exactly the same. Hopefully we can bring our best and entertain the crowds that come to watch.

"Kate Cross hasn’t been able to get over her back issue unfortunately. We hope things will change quickly but we’ve got two exciting young fast bowlers in Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer. We’ll miss Kate but I’m excited to watch that pair bowl."

Ffion Wynne
BBC Sport cricket writer in Sydney

Kate Cross' absence is a huge blow for England. She is so experienced and her consistency from one end is invaluable for allowing Heather Knight to unleash Lauren Filer and Lauren Bell from the other end, who are the exciting young talents but can often lack control.

For Australia, they had a big selection decision to make regarding 21-year-old batter Georgia Voll, who has been in sparkling form. We saw her bat during the 28.2 overs that were played in the only warm-up match earlier this week and she looked incredible for her 57 from 42 balls.

But they've kept the faith with their enviable array of all-rounders. The difficulty was where on earth they could find a spot for Voll in the XI, showcasing the ominous strength in depth that they possess.

The big team news from an England perspective is bowler Kate Cross being ruled out with a back problem which has been troubling her since the tour of South Africa.

Australia: Alyssa Healy (captain & wicketkeeper), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.

England: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (captain), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.

Australia captain Alyssa Healy: "At the end of the day just another day of cricket but the Ashes series is huge.

"There is always a little in it [the pitch] early. It is hard to defend here. Hopefully we can get the job done early on, take wickets and restrict them to something chase-able."

Ffion Wynne
BBC Sport cricket writer in Sydney

Having been so excited to escape the temperatures of -5 Celsius in the UK, all we've had since landing in Sydney is rain.

Thankfully, the weather has switched itself on just in time for the first game and we were able to enjoy a delightful walk up to the North Sydney Oval this morning.

The factor 50 and sunglasses are going to be essential today, and I've already got my eye on the ice cream van that is stationed opposite our commentary box.

There may be a shower or two this afternoon but for now, we're all set to start on time - let's hope we're in for a cracker!