The meteoric rise of women’s cricket took another big step with more than half a million TV viewers watching the third Women’s Ashes one-day international.

But there are still many firsts in the game, such as the pink-ball Test against England commencing at North Sydney Oval on Thursday.

All-rounder Ellyse Perry believes the inaugural women’s day-night Test is another milestone for the game.

“It’s tremendously exciting and no better location than North Sydney Oval – the ground is immaculate,” she said.

“It’s a little bit of history which is really exciting and I think everyone’s extremely chuffed to be a part of it.”

Perry was named in Australia’s 13-player squad for the historic match, which was trimmed from 15 after leg-spinner Kristen Beams and fast bowler Belinda Vakarewa were omitted.

Selectors will need to cut two more players when finalising the playing XI for the Test match.

“I have full confidence that whatever XI takes the field will be the best team ready to go,” said batter Nicole Bolton, who was also named in the team.

Mixed opinions on pink ball

As Perry and Bolton focus on familiarising themselves with the pink ball, there are many in the game who remain critical including leading paceman Mitchell Starc, who took two hat-tricks for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield game against Western Australia.

But Perry thinks there is still a place for the pink ball in international cricket.

Ellyse Perry, the youngest Australian ever to play international cricket, said the team was pumped. Photo: ABC

“I haven’t played anywhere near as much cricket as Mitch so I can’t comment on the way the ball performs all the time, but I think what’s it’s done for Test cricket in terms of this concept for day-night cricket, and the way it’s been received by fans is really important.”

It is a sentiment shared by Bolton.

“It’s really exciting and it’s something different and I think the change in format has come at a good time in this series.”

With Australia leading the multi-format series 4-2 after claiming two one-day international (ODI) wins compared to England’s one, victory in the upcoming four-day Test would give the hosts the four points needed to keep the Ashes urn.

But Perry believes England’s impressive win in the last ODI in Coffs Harbour has further intensified the campaign.

The world champions set up the victory with a record-breaking total.

“We know how good they are and capable they are of playing good cricket so I think we were always expecting them to challenge us,” Perry said.

“I think it sets up the series really well that they won that last ODI game, it puts a lot of emphasis on this test and hopefully both teams will be pushing for a result.”

Three Twenty20 matches will take place after the day-night Test from November 17.

-ABC