Diamonds on notice in wake of scandal
AUSTRALIAN netball coach Lisa Alexander has rammed home the values expected of her side as they prepare for a potentially spicy Commonwealth Games clash with South Africa.
The Diamonds play South Africa on April 8 and Alexander admitted she was interested to see if there would be any barbs thrown their way as fallout from the cricket ball-tampering saga continues.
The Diamonds hold every major international netball title and are regarded as darlings of their sport.
The highly-respected coach said yesterday she had texted her leadership group immediately after the Cape Town Test match incident to issue a reminder of who they would be representing on the court during the Gold Coast Games.
“I texted the leaders straight away when it happened and said it’s a great reminder that we’re representing our country and need to understand the duty that we have because they pay for us (to) play, for a start, through our taxes,” she said.
“Everyone does make mistakes, but at the end of the day I would never ask players to break rules on purpose.
“This is not on, shouldn’t be encouraged by anyone, any coach at any level of any sport in my opinion.”
The Diamonds begin their Commonwealth Games campaign next Thursday against Northern Ireland.
But the side’s third pool game against the Proteas has now taken on new meaning after Test cricketers Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner were all suspended for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport.
MEANWHILE, the Melbourne Vixens are heading to Geelong for their final pre-season hitout before the start of the Suncorp Super Netball season.
The Vixens are taking on rivals the NSW Swifts on Saturday April 14 at 4.30pm at the Geelong Arena.