Two new caps named in Diamonds to meet Ferns

SYDNEY: NSW Swifts defender Maddy Turner and Sunshine Coast midcourter Laura Scherian are the two uncapped players in Australia’s squad of 13 for next month’s fourmatch Constellation Cup series against recently crowned world champion New Zealand.

Nine players from this year’s World Cup squad have been named. Midcourter Kelsey Browne (injured), defender April Brandley (pregnant) and shooterwing attack Steph Wood are (resting) out.

Melbourne Vixens shooter Tegan Philip and Collingwood Magpies midcourter Ash Brazill have been recalled.

‘‘I would like to commend Ash Brazill, Tegan Philip, Laura Scherian and Maddy Turner on their selection following their outstanding Suncorp Super Netball seasons,’’ Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander said.

‘‘They’ve shown they have

what it takes to perform against the world’s best, standing up in key moments, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the team.

‘‘My fellow selectors, Annie Sargeant, Michelle Wilkins, and I believe this is the combination of players that we need to face an incredibly strong Silver Ferns team, with flexibility right across the court and a great mix of experienced talent and exciting upandcomers.’’

Five more players have also been added to round out the Diamonds 201920 squad — Wood, uncapped shooter Kiera Austin, defender Emily Mannix and midcourters Kate Moloney and Gabi Simpson.

Previous squad member and senior midcourter Kim Ravaillion opted out of selection for 201920.

Alexander will bring up her 100th match at the helm in the second test in Auckland on October 16.

The series starts on October 13 in Christchurch.

Following the Auckland match, the series moves to Australia for tests in Sydney on October 20 and Perth on October 27.

Australia holds the Constellation Cup and has won eight of the nine series, including the last six.

The series marks the first meeting between the great rivals since the Silver Ferns’s onegoal World Cup final win over the Diamonds in June. — AAP