Netball: Silver Ferns' Games draw announced

The Silver Ferns have been drawn with England in their six-team pool for the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Defending champions New Zealand have been drawn with England in their six-team pool for October's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The draw, based on world rankings, sees the world No 2 Silver Ferns line up against the third-ranked England while world No 1 Australia and the fourth-ranked Jamaica will be top dogs in the other pool.

Coach Ruth Aitken's team will open their campaign against Papua New Guinea on October 4, followed by pool matches against the Cook Islands (Oct 5), England (Oct 7), South Africa (Oct 8) and Barbados (Oct 10).

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals on October 12, with the final scheduled for the final day of the Games on October 14.

The other pool also comprises Malawi, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago and hosts India.

Competition will take place at the purpose-built Thyagaraj Stadium, with New Zealand seeking to repeat their golden campaign at Melbourne, where they beat Australia in the final. England won bronze at Melbourne.

Silver Ferns' Commonwealth Games draw
Oct 4: v Papua New Guinea
Oct 5: v Cook Islands
Oct 7: v England
Oct 8: v South Africa
Oct 10: v Barbados

Oct 12: Semifinals
Oct 14: Final

- NZPA