Ellyse Perry set to return for Australia, with the four-day Test playing a vital role in deciding the Ashes

The women's Ashes has got off to a dreary start, with rain impacting the series early on.

Australia currently hold a 4-2 lead in the multi-format contest, after winning the first T20 International match last Thursday at Adelaide Oval by nine wickets.

The game was much closer than it sounds, featuring a blistering opening partnership from England batters Dani Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont (82 runs) to help set a record chase for the hosts with a total of 4/169.

Unfortunately for England, it happened to be Tahlia McGrath's night, as the allrounder motored to 91 runs off 49 balls, having already taken 3/26 with the ball.

Since then, there's been just four overs bowled by either side, with the remaining two T20 matches washed out on back-to-back days to bring the series to a grinding halt.

English captain Heather Knight was clearly frustrated with the situation.

«The weather gods don't like us here,» she told the ABC.

«I think I've had more games in my career rained off in Australia than England at this stage.»

Knight was alluding to the last time her side toured the country during the T20 World Cup, where they were denied an opportunity to reach the decider when their semi-final match against India was washed out at the SCG.

In a cruel twist, the rain later cleared, allowing Australia to play a shortened semi-final at the same venue against South Africa, which they won to progress through to the deciding match before beating India to lift the trophy.

Now, two years later, Australia's summer rain has again put England in a difficult position, as they face an uphill battle to win back the Ashes urn.

With the only Test starting on Thursday at Manuka Oval, and a total four points up for grabs, the touring side are desperate to get