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Australia’s netballers have recovered from an historic defeat to England by levelling their three-Test series at 1-1.
The Diamonds, who lost to England for the first time since 1981 in their opening match in Liverpool, won 53-48 in Nottingham on Sunday.
Wing attack Madison Browne, playing just her fourth international after earning her first Test cap for Australia against Scotland earlier in the tour, was named player of the match.
Kate Beveridge led the Diamonds’ shooters with 31 goals from 38 attempts while Natalie Medhurst shot 22 from 27.
Coach Norma Plummer branded Browne a player of the future after her precision feeding into the goal circle proved critical.
“She exploited them with her speed and ability and I am really pleased for her to be named player of the match,” Plummer said.
“They (England) are a team in season where we are not. We are not match sharp, but the players’ fitness levels for this time of the year are very good.
“I thought Beveridge was outstanding with her long shots, while Medhurst tonight put it together. Between them they did a great job.”
England took a 4-1 lead early, but Australia overhauled that to 14-7 by quarter-time.
The hosts clawed back to within one goal by half-time
Australian goal-keeper Laura Geitz caused opponent Louisa Brownfield some trouble in the opening term, prompting England to bring Jo Harten on as shooter.
Harten ended up with 21 goals from 25 shots, while team-mate Pam Cookey hit 25 from 26.
England tried in vain to curtail Browne’s influence as the Diamonds surged ahead to grab a five-goal buffer heading into the final quarter.
The tourists held on to set up the deciding Test in London on Wednesday (AEDT).