Medhurst replaces her former Adelaide Thunderbirds teammate Kate Beveridge for the final two Tests of the five-match trans-Tasman Series.

Diamonds coach Norma Plummer says Medhurst’s inclusion was a planned strategic decision to ensure Australia’s top shooters all continue their experience at an international level.

“We want to keep all the shooters in the mix so by the time we get to Commonwealth Games we’ve made sure they’ve stayed in the international arena,” Plummer said.

“Natalie’s running game compliments the three shooters that we are taking to New Zealand and they just so happen to be the four shooters we took to the World Championships in 2007.

“They all have a good connection with one another with Natalie slotting in with McMahon, Pratley and Cox very easily.”

The Diamonds took a two-one lead in the Series on Sunday and while Plummer is pleased to be one game ahead of the New Zealanders she knows there is more hard work to come.

“We are going into New Zealand feeling confident but knowing that the Series isn’t won yet and there are still two more hard matches on New Zealand soil for us. It’s important now to just keep focused and continue to put out some good netball,” Plummer said.

The Australian Netball Diamonds take on the New Zealand Silver Ferns Sunday 20 September 4.00pm, Stadium Southland, Invercargill and Wednesday 23 September 7.30pm, Vector Arena, Auckland.

* Please note all times are local area times.

Don`t miss any of the pride, passion and rivalry, be sure to catch all the action on Channel Ten and ONE.

Sunday 20 September (Invercargill) – LIVE at 2.00pm on TEN and 5.30pm on ONE

Wednesday 23 September (Auckland) – 11.00pm on TEN and ONE