Axed former captain Lesley Rumball. Herald file picture
Lesley Rumball's decorated international netball career may be over after she was left out of the New Zealand squad named today to play Australia later this month.
Rumball (nee Nicol), who has played a record 109 tests for New Zealand, was the notable omission from the 12-strong squad named today
for the one-off test in Auckland on October 29.
The squad will also tour Jamaica in November.
With a host of quality midcourters at her disposal, New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken found no room for Rumball, instead opting for Adine Wilson, Anna Rowberry, Laura Langman and Temepara George.
Wilson retains the captaincy despite the return from injury of former skipper Anna Rowberry.
There are no surprises at the shooting end, where Belinda Colling returns, having taken a break from netball after having a baby and living in Scotland for more than a year.
She is joined up front by Irene Van Dyk, Jodi Te Huna and Maria Tutaia.
A notable omission at the defensive end is that of Joline Henry, whose place has effectively been taken by Leana de Bruin. Anna Scarlett beat off Sheryl Scanlan as a fourth defender who is also capable of filling the wing defence role.
The other defenders are Vilimaina Davu and Casey Williams, although Waikato youngster Williams requires a medical clearance to play the Australia test.
Aitken said the trial period over the weekend was intense, with the main dilemma being who to leave out.
The Silver Ferns will assemble in Auckland on Monday next week.
* SQUAD
The New Zealand netball team for the one-off test against Australia in Auckland on October 29:
Irene Van Dyk, Jodi Te Huna, Belinda Colling, Maria Tutaia, Adine Wilson, Anna Rowberry, Laura Langman, Temepara George, Vilimaina, Davu, Anna Scarlett, Leana de Bruin, Casey Williams.
- NZPA
