MELBOURNE: Player-of-the-match Catherine Cox could find herself warming the bench as Australian netball coach Norma Plummer searches for new combinations to counter Jamaica ahead of their second test in Sydney tomorrow.
Australia overcame Jamaica 66-62 on Thursday night in Melbourne in a physical encounter, with the visitors trailingby only a goal with less than a minute left in the match.
The teams were level at 35-35 at halftime before the Australians took an early lead in the final quarter and managed to hang on for a thrilling win.
New Zealand-born Cox landed 87 per cent of her shots, with 33 of 38 finding the mark.
However, Plummer said she may give sharpshooter Susan Pratley a start in the final test.
Pratley has been the form player of the national league, boasting three consecutive perfect scoring performances, and linked well with vice-captain and goal attack Sharelle McMahon in her opportunities with Australia.
"When you've got a kid you know can combine with Sharelle, like Pratley, I'm prepared to say Cath may have got the player of the match, but it could be another combination there that's very good."
While Plummer is looking for an improved conversion rate from her shooters - McMahon has converted 89 per cent of her chances - she is also looking to shut down the Jamaican shooters.
Romelda Aiken, who replaced injured captain Elaine Davis, was a constant threat for the home side, scoring 38 goals from 40 attempts.
At 1.90m, the long-limbed Aiken stands 7cm taller than Australian goalkeep Liz Ellis.
Australian under-21 representative Susan Furhmann, who is 1.96m, could be the answer.
"Now you know why I'm working on someone like a young Susie Furhmann, because we do not have anyone in Australia who can match that height," she said.
"Every ball that she gets, her arms are that far in the air before we even get a touch of it."
Australia also missed the athletic defence of injured goal defence Mo'onia Gerrard, who withdrew with a small calf tear.
The Silver Ferns play the first of two games against Jamaica in Christchurch on Thursday before a three-match series with Australia.
