Quad Series 2017: Australia beat England in Brisbane

England suffered a 54-50 defeat to Australia in their opening Quad Series match, despite a spirited second-half fightback against the Diamonds.

After a bright start, the Roses faded as a much-changed Australian team made light of their inexperience to move into a dominant position.

However, the introduction of Ama Agbeze, Beth Cobden and the switch of Serena Guthrie to centre saw England rally but the hosts held on for a narrow victory.

Australia now face South Africa on Wednesday, while the Roses move on to face New Zealand after the Kiwi's were victorious in the second made of the day with a 63-56 win over the Proteas.

England lost by a single goal when they faced Australia earlier this year and they continued where they left off, fighting back from conceding the opening goal to reel off three unanswered scores of their own for an early lead.

Predictably in the first game of the international season, the attacks struggled to get going with defences on top, Roses goalkeeper Geva Mentor showcasing her credentials as one of the world's best.

In attack, England struggled for early rhythm with Kadeen Corbin replacing Jo Harten as shooter and Australia's debutant goalkeeper Courtney Bruce impressing.

England's 6-4 advantage was soon wiped out as Australian captain Caitlin Bassett began to find her range and led the Aussies to a lead for the first time in the quarter.

Corbin kept England in touch until Australia pulled clear the end of the quarter, turning transition play into goals and a 15-10 lead after the first 15 minutes.

With basic errors creeping into England's game in the second quarter, the ruthless Diamonds punished them at every opportunity. Bassett was in unforgiving mood and her partnership with Gretal Tippett helped Australia extend their lead to double figures.

Neville turned to Cobden and captain Agbeze from the bench while also switching Guthrie from wing defence in an attempt to halt the slide but, despite Housby's best efforts, they were unable to reduce the deficit and Australia led 32-22 at half-time.

However, Tracey Neville's changes began to pay dividends after the break and an improved defensive showing kept the Roses in touch. As the third quarter wore on, they continued to chip away and reduced the Diamonds lead to just six goals heading into the final 15 minutes.

Both teams traded scores and turnover ball, and when Guthrie combined with Housby for the latter to score the deficit was five with seven minutes remaining - the closest it had been since the first quarter.

The Aussies kept their heads and managed to maintain their advantage until a crucial turnover gave Housby the chance to bring England within four, she took it and followed up on the next possession to close the gap to three goals with 90 seconds remaining.

Despite their inexperience, the Aussies retained possession and when Bassett scored from under the posts it ensured England would get no closer and the hosts breathed a huge sigh of relief to begin with victory.

England Starting Seven - (GK) Geva Mentor; (GD) Eboni Beckford Chambers; (WD) Serena Guthrie; (C) Jade Clarke; (WA) Chelsea Pitman; (GA) Helen Housby; (GS) Kadeen Corbin

Follow the action on Sky Sports Mix on Wednesday when the tournament continues with New Zealand v England from 8.30am and Australia v South Africa from 10.45am. The tournament reaches it's finale on Sunday September 3, available on Sky Sports Mix throughout.