Von Bertouch unlikely available for remainder of England series
Australian Diamonds captain Natalie von Bertouch appears unlikely to play in the remaining two Tests against England in Canberra and Sydney after failing to overcome a stress reaction injury in her right foot in time.
Von Bertouch remains in a cam walker (moon boot) after suffering a stress reaction to a sesamoid bone in her right foot during a Diamonds training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport late last month.
"Natalie will most likely not be available for the remainder of the England series," Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said.
"She will still be wearing the boot for a little bit longer which is disappointing for her, she would really love to be out there but she has to follow the medical advice."
After missing the opening Test against England yesterday in Newcastle, it was hoped that von Bertouch would be available for selection however the injury requires more time to avoid ongoing discomfort.
It's hoped that the captain will be available for the three-Test series against the New Zealand Silver Ferns starting on October 23 in Perth, followed by fixtures in Adelaide and Melbourne.
"I definitely have an eye on the Silver Ferns, that's part of the preparation that we're going through with these three Tests," Alexander said.
"We're not taking the English lightly at all, they've got some great athletes on their team and their shooters certainly brought it home in the second-half."
The 2011 Holden Netball Test Series continues Wednesday night with the second Test against England at the AIS Arena, Canberra to be broadcast on Network Ten and online via Telstra BigPond Sport.
