Australian Squads Announced

Australia's march towards next year's World Championships in Adelaide became clearer (14/4) today when the National Selection Panel unveiled its squads for 2011.

In a bid to reenergise the Australian team, Tasmania's Rebecca Quail has earnt inclusion for the first time, while NSW's Beth Quinlan and Katrina Wright have been recalled to the fold.

An additional four women have been named in the Australia A squad, which has been developed to serve as a feeder system into the national team, while a non-public list of 'radar' players has been compiled for future considerations.

"With so much talent sweeping the sport throughout Australia, the job of breaking this down to just 12 athletes for both men and women has proved an extremely difficult task," national coach Steve Glasson said.

"The new squads demonstrate a healthy mix of experience and youthful exuberance and the national coaches and selectors are excited about the forthcoming preparations leading up to the Asia Pacific Championships later this year, and then of course through to the Olympics of bowls in the 2012 World Championships.

"From my perspective, I can't wait to start working with these athletes and wish them all every success in their future endeavours."

With Glasson having assumed his role as national coach and chairman of selectors in February, his first major out-of-competition task was to announce this year's squads.

Among those who have failed to retain their positions include Delhi Commonwealth Games silver medallists Sharyn Renshaw and Julie Keegan and reigning under-25 world champion Sam Shannahan.

"Sleepless nights have been the order of the day for the Australian selectors while determining the final makeup of the new squads," Glasson said.

"In fitting with the new HP management's philosophy of position specific selection criteria, some tough choices have been made."

An announcement on the Australian under-25 squads has been delayed, while the Australian under-18 squads will be selected following the national championships in October.

2011 Australian Women's squad: Lynsey Armitage (Helensvale, QLD), Kelsey Cottrell (St Johns Park, NSW), Claire Duke (Cabramatta, NSW), Karen Murphy (Cabramatta, NSW), Rebecca Quail (Invermay, TAS), Beth Quinlan (St Johns Park, NSW), Natasha Van Eldik (Raymond Terrace, NSW) and Katrina Wright (St Johns Park, NSW).

2011 Australia A Women's squad: Kate Carriage (Merrylands, NSW), Anne Johns (St Johns Park, NSW), Carla Odgers (Sunbury, Vic) and Kelli Wray (Ascot Park, SA).