Netball: Aussies name new captain

Natalie von Bertouch. Photo / Getty Images

Star midcourter Natalie von Bertouch says she's thrilled to be appointed Australia's netball captain.

The 28-year-old was on Tuesday named captain of the Diamonds, replacing the injured Sharelle McMahon.

Von Bertouch, who has been McMahon's deputy since 2008, will lead Australia's quest for consecutive world championships in July.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds centre said she was honoured to win the top job, but lamented the circumstances.

McMahon ruptured an achilles tendon late last month and has been ruled out of the world titles in Singapore from July 3-10.

"It was a horrible injury and obviously I would have liked this to happen in better circumstances, meaning that Sharelle didn't injure herself," von Bertouch told reporters in Adelaide on Tuesday.

"But that is the way it's got to be, so I'm really excited about the challenge."

Von Bertouch's vice-captain will be announced when Australia's squad for the world championships is named on May 30.

- AAP