The 12 Australian Diamonds to compete against the Proteas in the upcoming South Africa Series this month have been decided with 2023 Swifts Paige Hadley and Sarah Klau both selected again.
The team to play in Cairns and Hobart remains similar to the recently announced Constellation Cup group, but with three changes to the line-up. 2023 Swifts midcourter Maddy Proud has been ruled out due to injury.
Included in the team is Victorian defender Matilda Garrett. Garett was announced in the Diamonds squad for the first time this year and is in line to make her debut across the series.
Joining Garrett in defence are World Cup returning Diamonds Sunday Aryang, Courtney Bruce and Klau.
Captain Liz Watson and newly appointed vice-captain Hadley will lead the midcourt alongside Jamie-Lee Price and Amy Parmenter.
The selected shooting circle for the Series will comprise of Cara Koenen, Sophie Garbin, Sophie Dwyer and Donnell Wallam.
Ruby Bakewell-Doran was unavailable for selection with an ankle injury.
The three-match Series between the Diamonds and the Proteas will mark the first standalone series against South Africa in 18 years with matches to be played in Cairns and Hobart for the first time in Diamond’s history.
The Diamonds will commence their South Africa Series campaign at Cairns Convention Centre on Wednesday 25 October.
The team will then travel to Hobart to complete the final two matches against the Proteas on Sunday 29 October and Tuesday 31 October.
“We are looking forward to playing South Africa this month as we haven't met them since the Quad Series earlier this year,” said Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich.
“This Series provides us with the opportunity to explore various combinations and skill sets and continue to drive performance against another style of play.”
The Diamonds will commence the first leg of the International Test Series tonight when they take on the New Zealand Silver Ferns in match one of the Constellation Cup at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena.
Match two will follow in Brisbane on Sunday 15 October before the Constellation Cup team heads to New Zealand to round out the Series.
Every match of the Constellation Cup and South Africa Series will be available to watch on Fox Netball plus free and live on Kayo Freebies.
Tickets for the series can be purchased via Ticketek here.
Australian Diamonds 2023 South Africa Series team
Sunday Aryang
Courtney Bruce
Sophie Dwyer
Sophie Garbin
Matilda Garrett
Paige Hadley
Sarah Klau
Cara Koenen
Amy Parmenter
Jamie-Lee Price
Donnell Wallam
Liz Watson
