Women's cricket has a history that dates back to the 1800s, but it's spent much of that time in the shadows.

This year, however, will be remembered as the year women's cricket was finally taken seriously.

Included in a joint Memorandum of Understanding for the first time, the ongoing dispute between the governing body and player's association saw Australia's female players gain better pay, better conditions and a share of the same pie as their male counterparts.

But the biggest effect the dragged out saga brought to light, was a newly built bond between Australia's male and female players about what was fair and what was right.

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Alex Blackwell has been in the Australian women's fold and on the domestic scene for a long time.

She says there seems to be a mutual respect between the genders and from spectators now.

"The men and women stuck together to make sure the conditions important to each of those two playing groups [were met] and we've achieved a gender-equitable pay model that's something we can be really proud of," Blackwell said.

"We've been playing in a professional manner for a very long time and [the men] see the work we put in and the performances we produce, so I think there's a lot of respect there now."

A lot of discussion has focused on how positive the deal is for future generations, but Blackwell says it's been lovely to see an influx of recognition for past players too.

"I'm really proud of all that hard work the women who have gone before us and the coaches and the administrators here in Australia put in," she said.

"I think they are really proud to see where the game has gone and they understand the part they played in that process."

Public interest reaches new high

The Women's Big Bash League has been a big success on television, generating excitement for women's cricket. ( AAP: David Moir )

The game is breaking records each time it's given a chance on television, and the excitement from each women's tournament seems to be snowballing onto the next.

It's been growing at grassroots too, with the total female participation in Australia climbing to 393,735 during the 2016-17 Summer, a 25 per cent increase from the previous year.

The Women's Big Bash League has drawn in fans and enticed them to broaden their spectatorship to international contests and longer formats.

And while the MoU did drag on and generate negativity, the result has developed public interest in the women's game well ahead of the summer of cricket.

The Ashes, due to begin in October, sees England tour Australia for one Test, three ODIs and three T20 matches.

The games will be available on three platforms: television, radio and online; providing some of the most extensive coverage this contest has seen in 83 years.

Tickets have been sold for the first time and as a bonus, $2 from each ticket will go towards a local club or charity.

"To put a price on the seat to come and watch, $10 for an adult and free for children, is a good thing because it gets people organised," Blackwell said.

"They buy their tickets and put that date in their diary, so I think it's actually a positive thing to get more people to come along."

No favourites this Ashes series

Australia will be hoping to hit back in the Ashes series after a disappointing loss to England at the Women's World Cup. ( Reuters: John Sibley )

Despite winning the World Cup, England still remains second behind Australia in the ICC rankings.

And while the Aussies are defending champions with a home-ground advantage, Blackwell is adamant there are no favourites heading into this series.

"We were obviously really disappointed not to bring back that World Cup trophy we took over to England. So there is that little bit of heartbreak with them holding that," she said.

"But we hold the Ashes and I believe we're the strongest team with the best chance to win here. I'm confident we'll do that, but England will be the same."

She might be a great ODI player, but Blackwell says she's most looking forward to the day-night Test at North Sydney Oval.

"Our first ever Test match for Australia was back in 1934, so there's a long history and Australia has a very dominant history for Test cricket in both men and women," she said.

"To be a part of that historic event under lights, pink ball, first ever day-night Ashes Test, yeah that would definitely be the highlight I'm looking forward to."