NZ to defend fastnet title with second-string team

New Zealand will defend their fastnet netball world series title in Liverpool, England in November with a second-string team.

With the majority of the Silver Ferns team on a scheduled break after next month's Commonwealth Games in India, the New Zealand team for the fastnet series will comprise second tier players, who will have the chance to push their claims for selection during the national championships in Auckland from September 30-October 2.

The team, to be named on October 19, will be coached by Southern Steel mentor and national selector Robyn Broughton. She will be assisted by Janine Southby.

Fastnet is a shortened version of netball which includes rolling substitutions, six-minute quarters and two-point goals.

New Zealand won the inaugural world series last year in Manchester, beating Jamaica in the final.

- NZPA