Fans have been given an equal opportunity to apply for tickets for the 2017 final, which will be held at Lord's in London on July 23 next year.

The famous ground, considered as the home of cricket, will welcome two teams who will compete for the right to be called world champions.

The ballot will be open until 8pm GMT on November 1, with those interested able to sign up here.

There will then be a ballot for oversubscribed applications and fans will find out if they have been successful later in November.

Clare Connor, the ICC Women's Committee chair who played in three World Cups for England, said: "The women’s game has grown rapidly since England and Wales last hosted an ICC Women’s World Cup and this is reflected in our decision to hold a ballot for the final for the first time to manage the expected demand. 

"The ballot offers the chance for fans to be at the tournament's showpiece event next year when it’s played at Lord's."

England and Wales last hosted the Women's World Cup in 1993, with next year's tournament beginning on June 26.

Australia are the defending champions after winning their sixth title in India in 2013.

The top four teams at the end of the ICC Women's Championship, which finishes next month, will automatically qualify for the tournament next year.

Four more will earn their place through a World Cup qualifying event, with hosts England not guaranteed a place. 

However, it would come as a major surprise should they not qualify as they are currently second in the Championship behind the Australians, the only country to so far book their berth.

Steve Elworthy, tournament director of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, said: "We are proud to be hosting the ICC Women’s World Cup in England and Wales for the third time, and the first in over 20 years. 

"This is an exciting time for the women’s game and I hope the tournament will help us drive up interest and increase participation."