The Australian Netball Diamonds head into a training camp tonight to fine tune preparations for the Holden Netball Test Series campaign against world number 3, England.
Shooter, Natalie Medhurst is back after recovering from appendicitis and towering young West Australian shooter, Caitlin Bassett replaces an injured Cath Cox.
The Diamonds will spend two days in Sydney before travelling to Newcastle to take on a revitalized England under new coach, Sue Hawkins at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre from 7pm on Saturday, October 4.
High-profile defenders, Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma thrilled Aussie fans in this year’s ANZ Championship and will lead England’s quest. Four other England players featured in the ANZ Championship – Ama Agbeze, Karen Atkinson, Rachel Dunn and Tamsin Greenway.
Diamonds coach, Norma Plummer is expecting a tight contest over their two Tests.
“With their second Australian coach in Sue Hawkins we expect a game style similar to ours,” Plummer said.
“They have some strong 21/U talent coming through and players who have experienced the ANZ Championship, so it will be a good contest.”
Bassett was outstanding during the recent Australian 21/U tour of New Zealand and Plummer believes her height will be an advantage for the Diamonds.
“Caitlin was ranked the number four goal shooter in terms of volume in the ANZ Championship and Natalie Medhurst is back after her appendicitis which gives us added mobility,” Plummer said.
