It isn't exactly the way Natalie Medhurst had dreamt of becoming Australian netball captain, but the star goal shooter will be in charge nonetheless when the world champions attempt to wrap up the Constellation Cup in Melbourne on Sunday.
With captain Laura Geitz being rested for the Australian leg of the series and then an injury to stand-in Renae Ingles, Medhurst steps into the captaincy role.
"It's an incredible honour and not something I ever expected, certainly not the way I would wanted to be leading my country but I am excited to be doing that tomorrow," Medhurst said.
The 31-year-old is hoping to lead the Australian to another victory, in an already dominant year for the Diamonds.
"I will embrace this opportunity and we want to try and win this series," said Medhurst.
Ingles missed the second Test last week in Auckland because of the calf injury, and coach Lisa Alexander said the team can't take the chance that she will be ready on Sunday.
"We're not interested in taking risks with the fitness of our athletes at this stage of the year, so we've decided, in consultation with the medical staff that Renae would miss Sunday's Test," the coach said.
The Australians already lead the series 2-0 after winning both tests in New Zealand last week, and a win on Sunday would continue their recent dominance over their greatest rivals.
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