Experienced Australian netballer Sharni Layton will miss next month's Constellation Cup campaign against the Silver Ferns as she continues her leave of absence due to exhaustion.
Australian Sharni Layton battles Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes for the ball Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The veteran defender was a late withdrawal from the Australian squad to contest the recent Quad Series which the Silver Ferns won with their 57-47 victory over the Diamonds in Invercargill.
But she remains hopeful of an imminent return ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
For now, she will remain on the sidelines while fellow leader Madi Robinson has been dropped from the squad to play New Zealand in the first Test on October 5 in Auckland.
Coach Lisa Alexander said Robinson, a member of the team's leadership group, remained in the frame for next April's Commonwealth Games.
"We will be working with Madi on the areas of her game requiring improvement and she will continue this work at home base," the coach said.
As forecast, Stephanie Wood and Susan Pettitt join the squad as goal attacks in place of Tegan Philip and Caitlin Thwaites.
Caitlyn Nevins and Kate Moloney will also join the 13-strong squad, with one to be omitted prior to each of the four Tests.
"With limited Test matches prior to the Commonwealth Games, national selectors and I want to see further options through the mid-court, in addition to our two goal attacks already coming into the team," Alexander said
