AUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander has officially unveiled the Diamonds squad for the 2019 World Cup campaign in July, in what could be considered a changing of the guard from the previous World Cup. Just three players – Caitlin Bassett, Paige Hadley and Caitlin Thwaites were a part of the side that triumphed at the 2015 World Cup, with unlucky omissions including former vice-captain, Gabi Simpson and fellow wing defence, Ash Brazill. Kim Ravaillion also missed out, while Kiera Austin and Emily Mannix were others who were among those who were named in the triumphant Northern Quad Series team earlier this year, but missed out on World Cup selection.

For those in the side, powerful goal shooters, captain Bassett and Thwaites will stand under post, while Steph Wood and Gretel Tippett are the goal attacks. Looking to the midcourt and Kelsey Browne returns to the national team, likely to share court time with regular Liz Watson in wing attack, while Hadley has been impressive in centre this year. Browne could also rotate through centre, as could Jamie-Lee Price who will spend time at wing defence, while April Brandley and Jo Weston are the experience across the wing defence and goal defence. Australian star keeper, Courtney Bruce will start at goal keeper, with Sarah Klau chosen as her back-up for the competition.

Australian Diamonds World Cup squad:

Caitlin Bassett (GIANTS Netball) (c)
April Brandley (Collingwood Magpies)
Kelsey Browne (Collingwood Magpies)
Courtney Bruce (West Coast Fever)
Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts)
Sarah Klau (NSW Swifts)
Jamie-Lee Price (GIANTS Netball)
Caitlin Thwaites (Melbourne Vixens)
Gretel Tippett (Queensland Firebirds)
Liz Watson (Melbourne Vixens) (vc)
Jo Weston (Melbourne Vixens)
Steph Wood (Sunshine Coast Lightning)

The preliminary stage one of the World Cup runs from Friday, July 12 until Sunday, July 14, with Australia taking on Northern Ireland, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The reigning competition holders are not expected to run into any difficulties in the group stage, while the Diamonds will prepare to meet rivals New Zealand in the second stage, along with two of Malawi, Barbados or Singapore. From there, the top two teams in Group F – expected to be Australia and New Zealand, will go through to the semi-finals, where the top placed team faces the second placed team from the other half of the draw and vice-versa. With three genuine chances to make the semi-finals in the other half of the draw, one of Jamaica, South Africa or England will miss out on the semi-finals. Of course the two winners of the semi-finals then advance through to the decider, while the losing semi-finalists playoff for bronze.