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The International Cricket Council has announced plans for a Women's Championship, beginning in August.

The tournament, which will run from 2014 to 2016, will double up as a qualifier for the 2017 World Cup.

Australia, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and New Zealand will play three one-day games against each other.

Points will be awarded for each game, with the top four gaining automatic qualification for the World Cup.

The bottom four face six qualifying teams for the remaining four places.

First-round fixtures will pit reigning world champions Australia against Pakistan on home soil, while three-time World Cup winners England will host India at Scarborough and Lord's.

Scarborough Cricket Club will stage the first two matches on 21 and 23 August, with the series culminating at Lord's on 25 August.

England, who will host the 2017 World Cup, start their international summer by taking on India in a Test match at Wormsley Cricket Ground from 13-16 August, which will be broadcast live on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 5 live sports extra and the 91Èȱ¬ website.

The remaining Women's Championships first round games see Sri Lanka at home to South Africa and the West Indies hosting New Zealand.

Former England captain Clare Connor said the Championship was a "significant step in the continued development of women's cricket".