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Diamonds eyeing Commonwealth Games revenge

Netball

Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett is making no secret of her desire for Commonwealth Games revenge as Australia look to land a psychological blow ahead of this year's World Cup in England.

The world champion Diamonds head for the UK on Monday for a Quad Series against second-ranked New Zealand, fourth-ranked hosts England and fifth-ranked South Africa.

"For us, this is the perfect warm-up heading into a World Cup and a good chance for us to play the next top-five countries for this big tournament," Bassett told AAP on Friday.

As much as familiarising themselves with the World Cup venue in Liverpool against South Africa, before taking on New Zealand and England in London, the top-ranked Diamonds are "100 per cent" intent on winning their third Quad Series in 12 months.

But atoning for last year's heartbreaking 52-51 loss to England in the Commonwealth Games gold-medal match is foremost in Bassett's mind.

The shattered skipper could barely believe the last-gasp upset loss on the Gold Coast and said "of course" the Diamonds were eyeing revenge on January 21.

"Every time we play them, it's always hard fought," Bassett said.

"I remember when I first started playing, my debut match was against England, and we always used to pump them by 30 goals.

"So now to be level pegging with them and to really see the rise in their team I think has come through having their players here and having them in the Suncorp Netball League."

The Diamonds shaded England 52-47 in Newcastle last September in the last Quad Series, their only clash since the Games.

Australia will take a formidable 13-strong squad to England and Bassett doesn't envy coach Lisa Alexander having to pick 12-player teams for the three matches.

"Thank god I don't have any say in that," the goal shooter said.

"It's tough because every single player in our team has different strengths and you're splitting hairs when you're picking players for positions.

"One girl's going to be sitting behind the bench for every game but that just makes that competition harder for spots and raises the level for our team."

Alexander has opted against blooding newcomers, with all 13 squad members already capped.

"Jamie-Lee Price is a Giant, a teammate of mine, she's the newest debutant in our team," Bassett said.

"She's only had a couple of Tests under her belt so it's a good opportunity for her to get a few more and a bit more experience."

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