Vitality Roses: England name squads as World Cup prep continues; Chelsea Pitman returns for series vs Uganda, live on Sky

Chelsea Pitman won gold with England on the Gold Coast in 2018

Chelsea Pitman returns to the Vitality Roses squad for England’s forthcoming series against Uganda, live on Sky Sports, while head coach Jess Thirlby has also named further squads to face Australia and for the FAST5 Netball World Series.

England will play their first Tests since this summer's Commonwealth Games by hosting the She Cranes over three dates in October.

The first Test will be held in Nottingham on October 5, before two further Tests take place at the Copper Box Arena in London on October 8 and 9.

• Thirlby: England not in market for 'wholesale changes' ahead of World Cup
• Commonwealth Games conclusions and what's next for England

Pitman was recently announced as one of London Pulse's new signings for the 2023 Vitality Netball Superleague season, swapping a place as a training partner in Suncorp Super Netball for England's elite competition.

The mid-courter, who won a Commonwealth Games gold medal with England in 2018, brings experience and flair to Thirlby's attack-end for this series.

A mixture of experienced stars and exciting prospects are spread across the three squads, setting up new partnerships as we head into an exciting year for international netball with the Netball World Cup in South Africa beginning in July 2023.

Eleanor Cardwell is one of England's 2022 Commonwealth Games squad members selected for the Uganda series

Amongst the 15, Alice Harvey, Ellie Rattu and Olivia Tchine have been called up from the Vitality Roses programme for their first senior international series.

Future Roses Natasha Pavelin and Paige Reed also receive their first senior call-ups, while a number of senior players have been given extended recovery time.

"To have so many opportunities against world-class opposition so soon after the Commonwealth Games allows us to quickly turn our attention to the exciting year ahead," head coach Thirlby said.

"Now, more than ever the margins between the top nations are at their narrowest, making for a very dynamic and competitive landscape for the global game.

"The competition is fierce, and to get opportunities to expose new and emerging talent as well as our existing players is critical in helping to strengthen the team, and for us to continue to uncover and gain advantage over our toughest opposition."

Thirlby: Uganda series the perfect test

Speaking about the Uganda series, Thirlby added: "We were really pleased how well we dealt to the challenge of Uganda at the Commonwealth Games. However, Uganda went on to find some of their best form in Birmingham, beating South Africa and gaining automatic qualification for the World Cup in 2023.

"They will be full of confidence, and we are under no illusion as to how competitive the three matches will be. With both next year and the longer term in mind, it provides a perfect test of a new-look Roses side, full of exciting talent to embrace and we will be buoyed to have the support of our home fans."

Commonwealth champions await Roses

England's first trip to Australia since 2018 will see some of Thirlby's most experienced players and those based Down Under returning to the court.

Jade Clarke and Layla Guscoth will look to maintain their own blistering form while shooters Jo Harten and Helen Housby return to the fold.

Geva Mentor and Commonwealth Games captain Nat Metcalf also return to the squad with Beth Cobden looking set for her return from injury after missing the competition in Birmingham.

Layla Guscoth is among the experienced players returning for England's series in Australia

The three-match international series will provide England will further knowledge about the world leaders and provide them with a chance of rectifying their semi-final mistakes from Birmingham.

"To play the world number one team and Commonwealth Games champions on their home soil is something we've been keen to do ever since Covid hijacked our plans back in the autumn of 2020," Thirlby said.

"We know how important it is to play the best teams frequently and in conditions that best prepare us for major tournaments. We look forward to the challenge and to welcoming a few new faces to the team."

FAST5 provides platform for young Roses

On November 5 and 6, a squad of 10 players will then take part in the FAST5 Netball World Series in New Zealand and look to thrive in the shorter, faster-paced version of the game.

Thirlby said: "The return of FAST5 is a welcome addition to our international calendar as world netball look to strengthen the breadth of the game and its appeal.

"For us, it affords further opportunity to expose new and emerging talent to the conditions of international netball and will help accelerate some key learnings for those younger athletes who have recently missed out on a World Youth Cup due to Covid and those on the periphery of the team narrowly missing out on selection for recent senior events."

Fisher takes international break

The trio of squad announcements also came with news about the New Zealand based shooter George Fisher, who has decided to take a break from international netball with England.

Fisher has thrived on court since moving out to play for Southern Steel in New Zealand, scoring 1171 goals in two seasons at a 92 per cent success rate.

George Fisher is taking 'time away' from international netball

"We respect George's decision to take some time away from international netball in the short term, but the door remains fully open for George to return and represent the Roses again in the future," head coach Thirlby said.

"As a founding member of the Roses programme, George has been a significant part of the Roses and has shown huge growth and improvement over recent years, showing what a bright future she could have ahead of her in the red dress.

"She is a much-loved member of the team, and we look forward to welcoming her back."

Vitality Roses squads

Vitality Roses squad to face Uganda: Imogen Allison, Eleanor Cardwell, Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, Zara Everitt, Funmi Fadoju, Alice Harvey, Hannah Joseph, Laura Malcolm, Natalie Panagarry, Natasha Pavelin, Chelsea Pitman, Ellie Rattu, Paige Reed, Olivia Tchine, Fran Williams.

Vitality Roses squad to face Australia: Imogen Allison, Eleanor Cardwell, Jade Clarke, Beth Cobden, Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, Funmi Fadoju, Layla Guscoth, Jo Harten, Alice Harvey, Helen Housby, Hannah Joseph, Laura Malcolm, Geva Mentor, Natalie Metcalf, Olivia Tchine, Fran Williams.

Vitality Roses squad to compete at FAST5 Netball World Series: Zara Everitt, Elle McDonald*, Taylor McKevitt, Natasha Pavelin, Lois Pearson, Jayda Pechova, Ellie Rattu, Paige Reed, Alicia Scholes, Emma Thacker.
*Awaiting British passport to finalise eligibility