The Australian Diamonds netball team to compete at the 2011 World Netball Championships has been announced with the squad containing seven former AIS scholarship holders.

The squad, which includes three uncapped players Chelsea Pitman, Erin Bell and Sharni Layton was introduced to the Minister for Sport Mark Arbib at a function hosted by Tim Mathieson, partner of Prime Minister Julia Gillard at The Lodge.

'I’m excited about the potential of this team – we have the ability to throw some different combinations on court depending on our opposition,' said Australian Diamonds coach Norma Plummer.

Despite having three debutants, the Diamonds World Championship team still boasts a combined 320 Test caps.

NSW Swifts goal shooter, Catherine Cox has been handed the honour of vice captain for the Diamonds’ World Championship side, leading alongside recently named captain Natalie von Bertouch. 

Cox is the most experienced member of the team with 84 Test caps to her name, equal sixth as most capped player in the Diamonds’ history.'

'It’s a good mix of new and experienced athletes and they have the belief in what is possible,' Plummer said.

'We’ve got Corletto back in the mix, Cath Cox brings experience and leadership in her new role as vice captain and we’ve got some in form Firebirds players who have proved this year that they’ve got what it takes to match it with the best.'

Australia Diamonds Team:

*Natalie von Bertouch (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
*Catherine Cox (NSW Swifts)
Caitlin Bassett (West Coast Fever)
*Chelsea Pitman (Queensland Firebirds)
Erin Bell (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Julie Corletto (Melbourne Vixens)
*Kimberlee Green (NSW Swifts)
*Laura Geitz (Queensland Firebirds)
Mo’onia Gerrard (NSW Swifts)
Natalie Medhurst (Queensland Firebirds)
*Sharni Layton (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
*Susan Fuhrmann (West Coast Fever)

*Indicates former AIS scholarship holders