Test series learnings

England Roses test series vs Australia and New Zealand- 3 things we learned

Game 1: Australia 70-57 England
Game 2: Australia 59-61 England
Game 3: Australia 69-56 England

Game 1: New Zealand 58-59 England
Game 2: New Zealand 55-59 England
Game 3: New Zealand 61-56 England

Number 1: Australia is one step ahead… again

Yes, we beat them in the Commonwealth Games Final in 2018 on their home turf. Yes, we beat them in the group stages of the World Cup. Both by one single goal. Every other time, it’s been a story of loss, heartbreak and irritation as we struggle to match the Australian Diamonds. We were reeeling them in, but after some significant Roses’ retirements, including Serena Guthrie, Joe Harten, Jade Clarke (not officially retired but was not selected for this season’s England squad) and Geva Mentor, we appear to be losing some ground. The World Cup Final was a heavy defeat and a tough one to take and after some time one begins to ask when we will stop ‘learning’ and start winning- and expecting to win. I believe we are beginning that journey, that shift in attitude. In the first game of this three-match test series, Australia won the first game by an 11-goal margin. But we came back, improved and snatched the second game. In the decider, we lost our nerve and Australia showed their netballing prowess. I feel, for now, if we can’t beat them yet, we have to join them, and that’s why I’m exceptionally pleased that Imogen Allison has joined Australian SSN side Queensland Firebirds. It can only strengthen our squad. Overall, I was quite disappointed with the test series against Australia, because we just were not at their level. We cannot beat them yet like they beat us- we only win by one or two-goal margins and it is not enough. Our attack end is notably stronger than our defence; Geva Mentor has left a massive hole that remains to be filled.

Number 2: These young Roses are going places!

Having said that, we must remember that this group is young, with the likes of Liv Tchine and Lois Pearson new to wearing the red dress. Against New Zealand, we saw a different side, arguably going in more confident given our recent victories against the Silver Ferns. I no longer feel as if we are intimidated against New Zealand. This showed massively in our reaction to winning a match against them. Against Australia, we were jumping up and down in joy. Against New Zealand, we smiled and shook hands. This youthful England showed up in the first two games, sealing the series! This is a massive positive step forward for me. I do however have reservations and wonder why head coach Jess Thirlby did not give unused players a try, such as GK Alice Harvey, seeing as we lack a solid option in the circle to accompany the superb talent of Funmi Fadoju, who received not one, but two of the six Player of the Match awards. So whilst I will criticise this Roses side from time to time, we have a bright future ahead of us. As we progress, the experience gained from these test matches will help us down the line and I am really excited to see us progress in this four-year cycle.

Number 3: Consistency is key

The main message I took away from these six matches was that consistency is key. It is fundamental to our future successes. We have to be able to take a win against Australia and then come back to take a second, and that has to be normal and be expected. The development of our domestic league and the opportunities for players to play in international test matches like this is invaluable in helping our players to compete with the best, but most importantly, to be the best. I have faith that England can not only be World Cup and Commonwealth Games Champions, but also be No.1 in the world.