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Source: Photosport
Australia's youthful netball squad have lost a one-goal thriller to England in the opening match of their three-Test series.
However Diamonds coach Norma Plummer wasn't too disappointed after her side, who are without five senior players, lost 41-40 in Liverpool on Saturday, the first time England have beaten Australia in a Test since 1981.
"England's got their top line-up so I'm pretty pleased with that," Plummer told AAP.
"We put up four more shots, so that was a pretty good effort."
Kate Beveridge, the least experienced of Australia's shooters, led the scoring percentages with 13 goals from 16 attempts in the half that she played.
Natalie Medhurst scored six from eight over a half, while the experienced Susan Pratley played a full game and shot 21 from 29 for 72 per cent.
Defender and vice-captain Mo'onia Gerrard returned to the team after missing the second Test against Scotland earlier this week with an ankle injury.
In a low-scoring first quarter, the defenders dominated for both teams.
After trailing by three goals at the first break, the Australians took most of the second quarter to draw level, with the sides going to halftime at 18-18.
A four-goal deficit after the third quarter put the Diamonds under pressure and Plummer made three changes for the final term, sending on Madison Browne, Laura Geitz and Rebecca Bulley.
The three youngsters made an impact and Plummer was particularly pleased with wing attack Browne, who made her Test debut earlier in the tour.
"She had a huge influence, she was a little dynamite," Plummer said.
Errors crept into England's game but a stepping call against Pratley in the goal circle during the final minutes proved crucial as the hosts held on for victory.
The teams meet again in Nottingham on Monday.
