Young cricketer eyes off the Women's Ashes after defying family's rugby union tradition

At just 19 years of age Belinda Vakarewa has the cricketing world at her feet. The athletically built fast bowler has already represented Australia at the World Cup and is now targeting a spot on the Ashes squad.

At the age of 10, Belinda Vakawera had a tough decision to make about whether or not to turn her back on her father's sport of choice, rugby union.

The reason for her father Jone's love of rugby was that he was born in Fiji and spent the first 26 years of his life there before moving to Tasmania where he met Belinda's mother Marie.  

"We're a very traditional Fijian family,  I've been there a couple of times to experience it and it's a very different life," Vakawera told SBS World News.

Steaming in to bowl, Belinda Vakarewa at the SCG nets preparing for the upcoming season with NSW. Source: SBS

But despite the tradition in her family, Vakawera had ideas of her own.

She decided to pursue her love of cricket - and it's proved to be the best decision she has ever made.

"This is my sport now I love it, there's nothing like cricket," Vakawera told SBS World News.

The Women's Ashes Series gets underway on October 22 in Coffs Harbour.

But most of the attention in the series will be on the third match against England at North Sydney Oval. 

It will be the first ever day/night test match played at the famous venue.

Focused on delivering. Belinda Vakarewa wants to play against England in the Ashes. Source: SBS

Vakawera says she is itching to get her hands on the pink ball used in such matches.

"They say it's a batters game but with those pink balls that could all change" she said in a clear warning to England ahead of the Ashes.

If Vakawera is selected it will be a chance for her to add to her single international appearance so far.  

With her pace and potential, it could be the launchpad to a successful career that may never have happened if she had listened to her father.