Diamonds players are under pressure
THEY have the leg-up on their rivals for a spot at the World Cup mid-year, but touring Diamonds players are under their own pressure to perform during the Quad Series in the UK.
With their first game early this morning (local time), Diamonds players have been told they will all be held accountable for their actions in the series coach Lisa Alexander says is crucial for Australia to dominate.
After today’s match against South Africa, Australia will play New Zealand and England in the Diamonds final international outing before the World Cup in Liverpool in July.
Alexander has told players the World Cup team will be selected on form, with a number of others players not making the touring side still in consideration. Any hiccups in the Quad Series could prove fatal for a player’s World Cup aspirations.
“Everyone here will be held accountable,’’ Alexander said. “They must perform. We’ll be naming the team in May and, as usual, it will be a form-based team.’’
Australia are the Quad Series and World Cup holders. Alexander says winning in the UK this month will do much to boost the confidence of players tasked with defending their world crown in July.
2019 Quad Series upcoming matches
Test Two
Diamonds v New Zealand Silver Ferns, Copper Box Arena, London, January 20
Test Three
England Roses v Samsung Diamonds, Copper Box Arena, London, January 21