Engand’s Super Netball star ruled out for rest of series against Diamonds

England has suffered a massive blow after losing one of their best shooters and big-game performers for the final two games of the series against the Diamonds.

England has been dealt a huge blow ahead of the second netball Test against the Diamonds on Sunday, with goaler Eleanor Cardwell medically ruled out of the game and the remainder of the tour.

Cardwell, who plays for the Melbourne Mavericks, has been battling a knee injury and was only selected for the Australian leg of the tour.

But after playing just the opening quarter of the match against the Diamonds in Adelaide on Thursday, Cardwell was replaced and spent the remainder of the match on the bench with an ice pack on her left knee.

England’s Super Netball star Eleanor Cardwell. Picture: Getty Images

Cardwell was expected to be able to play out the series, with both coach Jess Thirlby and captain Fran Williams underlining that fact in Thursday’s post-match media conference.

“Our hope would be that El continues on strong for the remainder of the series,” Thirlby said following the first Test, after underlining her changes during the match had been made for performance purposes and not injury.

Cardwell certainly looked below her best in the 15 minutes she was on court, although she shot at 100 per cent and poor feeding from the midcourt didn’t help her cause, while Diamonds goalkeeper Sarah Klau also had her measure in an MVP performance.

Cardwell, who has managed injury through the final stages of the Super Netball season though, has been ruled out for Sunday’s clash, with the Mavs goaler saying her body finally failed her.

“I gave it my all to try and compete in this series but sometimes the body tells you enough is enough,” Cardwell said in a social media post on Saturday.

“This group of girls are something special and never fail to put a smile on my face … Go take it to the Aussies in the final 2 games.”

Eleanor Cardwell was expected to be able to play out the series but has succumbed to her injuries. Picture: Getty Images

Cardwell was replaced in the second quarter by debutant Lois Pearson, who played at wing attack in the second half and Cardwell backed the Manchester Thunder playmaker to shine.

“This girl is a star through and through … can’t wait to watch your journey in the roses dress @loispearson_x I just love playing with you LoLo plain and simple.”

Pearson is likely to start at wing attack after making a solid impact there in the second half on Thursday in the absence of another injured veteran and former Super Netball playmaker, Natalie Metcalf.

Liv Tchine combined well with Helen Housby in the circle in the second half and is likely to start alongside the NSW Swifts star, meaning Berri Neil could come into the match-day 12.

Regardless of the shooters that England names, they’re likely to have a tough task coming up against Australia’s defenders.

Klau was outstanding in a starting combination with Sunday Aryang, while Matilda Garrett entered the game seamlessly in the third term, while debutant Rudi Ellis had just five minutes on court.

Ash Ervin, who sat out the opening Test, could also be in line to make her debut.

Originally published as Engand’s Super Netball star ruled out for rest of series against Diamonds