Netball: Cox comeback off

Catherine Cox is ruled out of today's test. Photo / Getty Images

Australian goal shoot Catherine Cox has been ruled out of today's test against the Silver Ferns because of an ankle injury.

Diamonds team management confirmed that Cox rolled an ankle in training yesterday. A decision would be made later about the test in Auckland on Wednesday. Adelaide goal shoot Kate Beveridge replaces Cox.

Cox had been sidelined after playing the first half of the first test against New Zealand two weeks ago in Sydney.

The Silver Ferns won 53-50 and, since then, the Diamonds shooting circle has comprised captain Sharelle McMahon at goal shoot and Susan Pratley at goal attack.

Australia won the last two tests across the Tasman. With the series poised so delicately, expect the experimental elements to go on hold today.

When New Zealand kicked off their international season with three matches against a World 7 team, coach Ruth Aitken emphasised she was looking to develop players and combinations long-term. Next year's Commonwealth Games and the 2011 world championships in Singapore were the ultimate goal.

The returns have been patchy, with the Silver Ferns managing two wins from five starts - one over the World 7 after two losses and an impressive first-up effort against Australia in Sydney.

The two following tests resulted in wins to Australia.

Aitken has given most of her 12-strong squad court time, but the unfamiliarity between combinations has been obvious. The Silver Ferns have shown a glimpse of their potential, but lack consistency.

Aitken admitted it had been "challenging" keeping an eye on the big picture while the results hadn't been coming.

"We certainly felt we had the ability to make changes and still progress well, but we've had some hiccups, there's no doubt about it," she said. "I think probably the reality is these two games will be about trying to do the best we can to win, and the big picture will come back in after that."

Aitken and assistant coach Waimarama Taumaunu have been stymied somewhat by a calf injury to Liana Barrett-Chase just as her combination with Temepara George appeared to be working.

Aitken has called up experienced defender Sheryl Scanlan, who missed selection as she battled to recover from a calf strain. Southern Steel utility Wendy Telfer has also joined the squad.

Aitken was quite clear where the Silver Ferns needed to step up after last Sunday's loss, when the Australians sank 36 from 45 attempts while New Zealand's shooters could manage only 33 from 50.

"There's no doubt the defence stepped up on the weekend and the attack didn't. It's very unusual for us to have more shots on goal than them - we like to think of the forward court saving the day and it didn't," she said.

"That's the challenge for the players, and they've certainly taken that responsibility on."

- NZPA