England levelled the scores in the final quarter but the world number ones forced crucial turnovers late in the match to take the win 42-39 in Newcastle.

Coach Sue Hawkins vowed England would beat the Diamonds - as the Australian national squad are now known - when they go head-to-head for round two in Adelaide on Wednesday.

“England now needs to step up its intensity for the entire 60 minutes and take given opportunities to cherish the ball and score off the turnovers," she said.

"Australia was physically tougher and England needs to be smarter and not get caught up in their antics on court.

"Australia claims they have found their aura again which has fuelled England to prove them wrong.”

Diamonds defender Bianca Chatfield said her team were lucky to scrape a victory.
 
She said: “Australia definitely made lots of errors - we need to be more precious with the ball.”
 

ON-COURT

Rachel Dunn, Louisa Brownfield, Tamsin Greenway, Karen Atkinson, Jo Binns, Jade Clarke, Sara Bayman, Sonia Mkoloma, Geva Mentor

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