Netball: Nichol to captain Silver Ferns

10.15am

Lesley Nichol will captain the Silver Ferns for the November test series against Australia, Netball New Zealand announced today.

She replaces Anna Rowberry who is injured.

Nichol, a doctor who works in Auckland, last captained the Silver Ferns in 1997. She is the team's most capped player with 106 test caps.

Silver Ferns' coach Ruth Aitken welcomed the appointment.

"We know this series is going to be tough - there's nothing like playing a wounded Aussie team on home soil - but I'm confident that Lesley, with the support of our senior player group, will ensure we give ourselves every chance to succeed, " she said.

The Silver Ferns are currently in camp in Auckland in preparation for the series.

- NZPA