Edwards is confident ahead of the series

They fly out on Tuesday for a tournament which will see them take on Australia, hosts India and New Zealand.

"We're a little under-prepared, having not had much cricket, while the other teams have been playing all winter.

"But we still feel really confident we can go out there and challenge them," Edwards told BBC Sport.

I think we've got a fair chance of reaching the final which would be a real bonus for us leading into the World Cup in two years time Charlotte Edwards

The four sides will play each other twice under a round robin format, with the top two progressing to the final on 5 March.

Australia, the World Cup holders, will start as favourites, having won their last nine matches.

Despite that, Edwards said: "There's a belief in the side now that we can beat every side. Obviously, it's going to a very close series and who's going to be the most consistent team throughout the tournament will be a big thing.

"We need to be consistently good and if we do that, I think we've got a fair chance of reaching the final which would be a real bonus for us leading into the World Cup in two years time."

In the land where pitches traditionally favour slow bowlers, England will rely principally on 16-year-old Sussex left-armer Holly Colvin, supported by the part-time spin of vice-captain Laura Newton and Edwards herself.

"It will be really exciting to see how Holly fares out there. She's a level-headed girl who goes about her business very quietly, just gets on with it, and I'm hoping she's going to be a real find for us out there.

"The way she bowled last summer was really promising. It is a spinner's dream out there so hopefully she'll do the same," said Edwards.

The newest face in the squad is Surrey all-rounder Ebony Rainford-Brent, who has overcome a serious back injury to win a place and is someone who Edwards describes as a "bit of a wild card" selection".

"She's quite quick [with the ball], a very good batter, very good in the field and just a lively individual who'll probably do well in India for all those reasons.

"She's an all-rounder but has potential with the ball really, and we see her as maybe an opening bowler in the future, so we're giving her a tour now to get her used to the system," Edwards commented.

"She's worked hard after a few seasons off with her back and looks really eager - I'm very excited about her."