Jade and Sara Selected for Aussie Test
The England squad has been announced for the The Co-operative International Netball Series against Australia next month.
Following a gruelling two day training camp in Sheffield this weekend, twelve of England’s premier netballers have been selected to compete including Northern Thunder players Jade Clarke and Sara Bayman. Commenting on Jade and Sara being selected Thunder Head Coach Mike Greenwood said “ It comes as no surprise to me that Jade and Sara have been selected. In my opinion they are the best two centre court players in the country and they have both been in good form and put in strong performances in the Superleague this season.”
Commenting on the selection, England coach Sue Hawkins said: “We put the squad through their paces at the weekend and I believe after some tough decisions we’ve selected a sharp twelve. I have no doubt that these players will give it their best game against Australia to come out at the top.”
Three England v Australia international series will take place throughout the country with games at the Liverpool Echo Arena, Nottingham Trent FM Arena and the London O2 arena.
Co captain Sonia Mkoloma said, “It was only a few months ago that we played Australia in an international series in Bath and once again we proved we have what it takes to strongly compete with them. This international is crucial to see where we are in terms of Commonwealth Games preparation and the squad is excited about a massive competition in three brilliant arenas.”
The England squad is fully prepared to face Australia, having played weekly games against England’s highest level of netball competition The Co-operative Netball Superleague, including a highly competitive game against Northern Thunder last week improving their skills, positions, team building and technical ability in training.
Australia remain ranked first in the world, England remain third. New Zealand continue to hold second place in the world rankings and Jamaica fourth.
England Squad Announcement
Karen Atkinson – Co-Captain - 31
Sonia Mkoloma – Co-Captain - 31
Sara Bayman – 25
Eboni Beckford-Chambers – 21
Louisa Brownfield – 25
Jade Clarke – 26
Pamela Cookey – 25
Rachel Dunn – 27
Stacey Francis – 22
Tamsin Greenway – 27
Jo Harten – 20
Geva Mentor – 25
Sara Bayman