Australian netball fans get their first chance to watch their World Champions stars on home soil, when they contest the Holden Netball Test Series in October.
Led by new captain Sharelle McMahon, the youthful Australian Team faces a challenging month of top class action coming off an International Series in New Zealand and then fronting up against world number three England in Adelaide and Newcastle, and arch rivals the New Zealand Silver Ferns in Melbourne and Brisbane.
GM Holden will be the naming rights sponsor of the prestigious series featuring the stars of the top three nations in the world.
"Netball continues to cement its position as one of Australia's most popular sports and Holden is proud to be playing a part in supporting that growth," Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey said.
"This is the fifth consecutive year that we have been associated with this exciting Test Series which complements our other sponsorships of the World Championship winning Australian Test Team and the new ANZ Championship."
Eager to get back on court, Australian captain McMahon believes the series promises some enthralling battles.
“We are really excited to be back in action in Australia as world number one, playing against the best teams in the world in front of our wonderful home crowds,” McMahon said.
“The ongoing support Holden provides netball in Australia is fantastic and this is absolutely crucial to our performance on court.”
Australia last met England in the semi-finals of the 2007 World Netball Championship and went on to win a thrilling final against the Silver Ferns 42-38 on November 17 in Auckland.
Tickets for the 2008 Holden Netball Test Series will go on sale Monday August 4.
The 2008/09 Australian Netball Squad will be announced in the week following the final ANZ Championship.
For more details visit www.netball.asn.au.
HOLDEN NETBALL TEST SERIES MATCH SCHEDULE
Australia vs. England
Saturday October 4 at 7:00pm
Newcastle Entertainment Centre, NEWCASTLE
Wednesday October 8 at 7:30pm
Distinctive Homes Dome ADELAIDE
Australia vs. New Zealand
Sunday October 26 at 2:00pm
Hisense Arena, MELBOURNE
Wednesday October 29 at 7:30pm
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, BRISBANE
