THE 2023 Netball World Cup is almost here, and to help count down to the tournament we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the competing teams and seeing how they might fair at the tournament.

Today, it is time to take a look at the rising force that is Jamaica.

HISTORY OF JAMAICA AT THE NETBALL WORLD CUP

Jamaica has finished on the podium on a number of occasions at the World Cup, but have never finished higher than third, and have not finished that high since 2007.

At the last World Cup in 2019 however the Jamaicans finished fifth, so will be looking for a much better finish this time around.

RECENT HISTORY

It has been a while since the Jamaicans have played together on the international stage. Not invited to the Quad Series at the end of January, the last series the Jamaicans played was against England in mid-January, which was a hard fought 2-1 series loss.

KEY PLAYERS

Wherever you look on the court, there is some strong talent in this Jamaican side.

Up one end there is the towering figure that is Jhaniele Fowler, but she is also accompanied by Romelda Aiken-George, who has had a remarkable 12 months and come back in strong form after maternity leave.

The Jamaican defence is arguably more daunting though then their attack.

Shamera Sterling, Latanya Wilson, Jodi-Ann Ward and Kadie-Ann Dehaney are all coming off really strong domestic seasons, and really put the world on notice for how strong this Jamaican defence is becoming.

JAMAICA FIXTURE (start times local)

Friday 28th July – 6pm – Sri Lanka

Saturday 29th July – 11am – Wales

Sunday 30th July – 6pm – South Africa

JAMAICA SQUAD

Romelda Aiken-George, Shanice Beckford, Jhaniele Fowler, Rebekah Robinson, Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Crystal Plummer, Adean Thomas, Khadijah Williams, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Shamera Sterling, Jodi-Ann Ward and Latanya Wilson

Reserves: Shimona Nelson, Kimone Shaw and Abigale Sutherland