Melbourne, July 14 -- Cricket Australia have announced the schedule for Australia A elite domestic competitions, complementing an enormous summer of international and Big Bash League cricket, according to a release from Cricket Australia.

The Sheffield Shield will play a crucial role in the preparation and selection of players for the Ashes series, with four rounds of matches played before the first Test in Perth on 21 November.

At the same time, the Sheffield Shield, Women's National Cricket League, One Day Cup and T20 Spring Challenge will continue to provide a world-class breeding ground for the next generation of Australian talent.

Additional fixtures will be announced shortly, including the Prime Minister's XI and Governor-General...