Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander says the Diamonds’ record four-match losing streak means reputations will be on the line, as she focuses on trying to restore a winning mentality in the upcoming series against arch-rivals New Zealand.
The Diamonds lost their final Test of 2012 against New Zealand and an understrength team suffered a 3-0 away whitewash at the hands of England earlier this year.
Australia head to New Zealand on Wednesday for Tests in Invercargill and Auckland, before hosting the Silver Ferns in October in Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra.
“What we really are focused on is just getting that winning mentality back again and getting the tactics and the strategies right, that we know are going to take us to new levels in the Commonwealth Games (next year),” Alexander told AAP.
Asked whether the losing streak puts the Diamonds under more pressure Alexander said: “It adds pressure because everyone’s reputations are on the line.
“Certainly mine is as a coach. It (four straight losses) hasn’t been done before.
“If we work hard, we’ll get our confidence back.
“I know that when we are playing at our best we are very very difficult to beat, so that’s what fills me with confidence about this series.
Alexander said new captain Laura Geitz had brought a fresh approach to leadership.
“She’s a very humble girl, but very very proud to represent her country,’ Alexander said.
“She’s just such a natural that she exudes natural leadership and it’s terrific to see.”
Shooters Caitlin Thwaites and Natalie Medhurst, midcourter Kim Green and defenders Geitz and Bianca Chatfield have returned to the squad after missing the tour of England.
Defender Sharni Layton is back for the first time since 2011 after injury prevented the defender from international duties last year.
The Diamonds head into the 2013 internationals minus 252 Tests of experience following the retirement of captain Natalie von Bertouch, the withdrawal of veteran Catherine Cox and Mo’onia Gerrard’s switch to sevens rugby.
Australia’s squad doesn’t contain a single player with 50 caps, while New Zealand have several.
Alexander said she didn’t mind if Australia started underdogs against a more experienced New Zealand side.
“I think it helps us to keep our heads down and our bums up, so that we work hard, it’s not going to hurt us,” Alexander said.
