Women's Ashes will not be overshadowed during momentous summer, insists Danielle Hazell

The former England allrounder does not fear the clash with Australia will be overly impacted by the men's World Cup and Ashes

England women's attempts to regain the Ashes against Australia will not be overshadowed by busy cricketing summer, according to Danielle Hazell.

All seven matches of the multi-format duel between the two nations take place in July.

The three scheduled one-day internationals clash with the climax of the 50-over men's World Cup at the start of the month.

And after the one-off Test at Taunton three T20 matches follow, just days before the men's Ashes starts at Edgbaston.

But Hazell, who featured in five different series between the two countries, insists the women's clash will garner its own interest.

"Women's cricket has really got itself on the map," the World Cup winner told The Cricketer. "The World Cup win last year has helped build its own kind of audience.

"It has gained so much respect for its own identity that I don't think it will get lost. 

"Everyone has got their own block of the summer. It is good that there is so much cricket being played, whether that be boys, girls or any type of cricket."

Having lost the trophy on home soil in 2015 and failed to regain it Down Under in 2017-18, Heather Knight's side are eager to set the record straight.

Preparations for the series begin in earnest with three ODI and T20 matches against West Indies in June.

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^{Hazell was part of the England team that won the World Cup in 2017}

Hazell, who retired in 2019, believes the clash will be a key indicator ahead of the remainder of the summer.

"It has always been close between England and Australia," the ex-allrounder said of Heather Knight's team, who have won their last 11 matches in all forms.

"The girls have got a good chance against the West Indies and that is a good series to help kick-start the summer and ensure they are ready.

"The West Indies are a very dangerous side so they're not to be underestimated. 

"England will give them as much respect as they would any other team. But England v Australia at the end of the summer is the pinnacle.

Since calling time on her career at the start of the year, the 30-year-old admits she is not yet missing the sport.

But when England and Australia kick-off the series at Leicester on July 2 Hazell concedes she may begin to long for a return.

"I loved playing against Australia," she added. "You always want to put yourself up against the best. They have a fantastic record and are probably one of the best teams in the world. 

"I'll miss the battle, and the fight as they always give their best. I'll possibly miss that but not the training that runs up to it!"

Danielle Hazell was speaking at the launch of this year’s NatWest #NoBoundaries campaign, which will see NatWest continuing its work to ensure cricket remains a game for all, offering access and opportunity to people no matter their background