World champions Australia are set to have a rookie midcourt for their second netball Test against New Zealand, with veteran wing defender Renae Ingles ruled out by a calf strain.
The Diamonds' vice-captain will miss the second match of the four-Test Constellation Cup series in Auckland on Thursday night after suffering the strain in Tuesday night's opening clash with the Silver Ferns.
Australian posted a scrappy 50-44 victory in game one in Christchurch in their first meeting since the World Cup final in August.
The athletic Ingles suffered the injury in her right calf midway through the second quarter in Christchurch and was replaced by debutante Gabi Simpson.
"After consultation with the medical and coaching staff, we felt it was in my best interest to rest up and get myself right for the rest of the series," Ingles said.
"I'm obviously disappointed to miss a Test match for Australia but I'll be the girls' biggest supporter on the sideline tomorrow night."
If Australian coach Lisa Alexander sticks to the same line-up, Simpson will join centre Kim Ravaillion and wing attack Paige Hadeley, with the trio only boasting 37 Test caps between them, with Ravaillion having 27 of them.
Ingles has 66, making 11 consecutive starts for the Diamonds this year and was the only Australian player to begin every game at the Netball World Cup.
With an average age of 22, the trio has played together before, however, linking up as part of the Australian 21-under team who won the silver medal at the 2013 World Youth Netball Championship in Glasgow.
Alexander said it wasn't worth risking Ingles, with two games remaining in Australia.
"The precautionary decision was made in the best interest of ensuring Renae's fitness and availability for the final two Tests in Melbourne and Perth," Alexander said.
West Coast Fever defender April Letton will join the Diamonds as a back-up.
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