Alex Blackwell insists there will be no leadership vacuum when Australia attempt to retain the Ashes without Meg Lanning.
Lanning is the world's best player but also an inspirational skipper, having become Australia's youngest national cricket captain (female or male) at age 21.
Shoulder surgery last month will force Lanning to sit on the sidelines throughout the series that starts with a one-day international against England on October 22 in Brisbane.
It is unclear who will toss the coin in the 25-year-old's absence.
Despite being vice-captain, Blackwell but didn't lead Australia earlier this year when Lanning missed games during the World Cup. That honour went to Rachel Haynes.
"Obviously, Meg is a huge loss, not only as a player but as a leader," Blackwell said before NSW's season launch on Thursday.
"The good thing in our Australian women's team is we have got so many leaders to choose from to fill that role.
"I'm very confident we'll move ahead and perform well in this Ashes series coming up.
"I would be honoured to hold any leadership role and do that job, whatever it is."
The veteran is skipper of the all-conquering NSW side, who this summer are seeking to make it 19 one-day titles in 22 years.
Gun allrounder Ellyse Perry is NSW's vice-captain, while Haynes is also part of the Breakers' star-studded squad.
"I got to work alongside her as a vice-captain (at the World Cup) and, here at NSW, I have her leadership behind me," Blackwell said.
"She handled that challenging opportunity really well and we got two wins under her captaincy."
The highlight of the Ashes will be the inaugural women's day-night Test at North Sydney Oval, which starts on November 9.
It has already been a banner year for Australian female cricketers, recognised with major pay rises and greater equality in the pay deal signed last month.
"I'm really interested to see where this game is going to be in four or five years when the full effects of professionalism will kick in," Blackwell said.
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