Australia have opted for experience heading into Wednesday’s deciding Test against England with Jamie-Lee Price recalled to take on the Roses.
Price, the only change to Australia’s squad for game two, was sorely missed as England overran the Diamonds to claim a thrilling two-goal victory and keep the series alive heading into Bendigo.
But coach Stacey Marinkovich has once again overlooked squad members Georgie Horjus and Ash Ervin for potential debuts at a time England has turned to their youngsters with great success.
Every Diamonds v Roses match live and exclusive to Fox Sports, available on Kayo including FREE on Kayo Freebies. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
After a dominant display in game one – where Australia came away with a 13-goal victory, the Roses squared the series with their game two win described by Diamonds star Sophie Garbin as a “kick up the backside”.
STARTING SEVEN
Australia: GS Garbin, GA Austin, WA Watson, C Hadley, WD Price, GD Aryang, GK Klau
England: GS Tchine, GA Housby, WA Pearson, C Allison, WD Cobden, GD Fadoju, GK Williams
That win goes down in history as just the side’s second-ever in Sydney and only the Roses’ third-ever in Australia.
Now Australia has it all to play for on Wednesday night, having never lost a series in Australia under Marinkovich.
England will head into the final Test unchanged.
The deciding third Test begins at 7pm AEST.
Diamonds take learnings from shock loss | 01:12
QUARTER BY QUARTER MATCH REPORT
England opted to take an unchanged seven into the final Test in Bendigo while Australia went back to their tried and trusted starting seven from their game one win.
Third-gamer Lois Pearson got plenty of attention pre-first centre pass, but it didn’t bother her as she assisted Helen Housby to land the first goal.
Australia were forced to go the long way for their opener; heading back to Sarah Klau in goal keeper before they could go forwards.
Roses defender Funmi Fadoju got up for her first tip of the game, but Kiera Austin was able to calmly regather and convert.
The first turnover of the game came as England couldn’t get the pass away due to an “unforgiveable” error – and they made the same mistake moments later as the Diamonds jumped out by 4.
“There is no one ball side for the Roses!” Fox Netball’s Catherine Cox said.
“This is where they are getting into trouble.”
Beth Cobden got the much-needed intercept to draw England back in the term.
Bodies hit the deck across the court as neither side took a backward step.
At the first change it was Australia leading 16-13.
AUSTRALIAN SQUAD:
Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Sophie Dwyer, Rudi Ellis, Sophie Garbin, Tilly Garrett, Paige Hadley, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson (c)
Discussion about this post