England's Danny White-Hodge says Australia will not languish in the women's Ashes by failing to defend their World Cup title for more than 20 years.
Alyssa Healy's side were knocked out in the semi-finals by South Africa in October, having competed in the tournament as defending champions of the White Ball World Cup, Women's Ashes and Commonwealth Games.
The multi-format Women's Ashes begins on Saturday 11 January (23:30 GMT) with the first three one-day internationals, before three T20 matches and a four-day Test.
England last won the series in 2014, Australia regained it in 2015 and have held it ever since.
Australia retained it in 2023 with an 8-8 draw, despite hosts England winning both white-ball series.
Asked if Australia would be weakened by failure to defend their T20 title, White Hodge said: “No, not at all. They have a quality team.”
“Anyone in their team is performing well. Anyone in their lineup is capable of making match-winning performances.
“It will be a huge challenge for us, but it's one we really can't wait for.
“We play with and against the Aussies a lot and we know what everyone is doing, and they know us well, so it will be a very exciting series.”
Australia won a one-day series against India and T20 World Cup champions New Zealand in December.
Captain Healy has recovered from injury to be part of the Ashes squad for the white-ball series, and the Test squad has yet to be announced, although Sophie Molyneux will be absent after having knee surgery.