Australia drop Robinson for series with NZ

The Silver Ferns have received a boost ahead of next month’s Constellation Cup series against Australia with midcourter Madi Robinson dropped and star defender Sharni Layton still sidelined.

After losing 57-47 to New Zealand in the Quad Series decider in Invercargill earlier this month, Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander has rung the changes.

Having carried a squad of 12 for the Quad Series, the Diamonds will take 13 this time - naming a final 12 prior to each test. Midcourters Caitlyn Nevins and Kate Moloney have been called up, while veteran midcourter Robinson has been omitted, as has goal attack Gretel Tippett.

Former captain and key defender Layton will continue her leave of absence from the sport due to exhaustion, with the defensive end remaining the same as the one from the Quad Series.

Alexander said Robinson, 29, remains a member of the national squad and the leadership group, and would continue to push her case for next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The experienced midcourter had a quiet Quad Series and struggled against New Zealand wing defence Samantha Sinclair during their loss to

Ferns in Invercargill.

‘‘We will be working with Madi on the areas of her game requiring improvement and she will continue this work at home base,’’ Alexander said.

Nevins, of the Queensland Firebirds, made her Diamonds debut in January, while the Melbourne Vixens’ Moloney is yet to play for her country.

‘‘With limited test matches prior to the Commonwealth Games, national selectors and I want to see further options through the midcourt, in addition to our two goal attacks already coming in to the team,’’ Alexander said. the Silver