Sterling honoured by Sunshine Girls vice-captaincy

National senior netball player Shamera Sterling says she is honoured to be chosen as the vice-captain of the Sunshine Girls team for their upcoming four-Test series against England.

The matches will be held at the Copper Box Arena in London, England, on January 22, 24, 26, and 28.

Sterling, 25 years old, is earning her first leadership appointment on the Sunshine Girls team.

"I wasn't really shocked about it because I have grown as a player, and I have matured into being a leader, so I am very grateful for this opportunity," she said "I am looking forward to showing my leadership qualities as the vice-captain of this team. I am very grateful for that title, and I am just going to go out there and to do my best."

The Sunshine Girls, who have had a rivalry with England over the years, are ranked fourth in the world, one place below their opponents.

Sterling, who plies her trade for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Suncorp Super Netball, in Australia, said that all the matches in the series are going to be tough, but she is confident that the Sunshine Girls will do well.

"I think that this is a ranking series, so it is very important for us because we are fourth in the world and England are third, and they have been our biggest rivals. So it is good to go up against them now," Sterling said.

"They are very strong at the moment, so it is good for us to get some practice from them. The English team is not unbeatable, so it is going to be a good one for people to watch."

She said that the Sunshine Girls have worked well in their preparations for the series so this will be a good test for them.

"The girls have not played netball for a while, so it is good for us to be back on court and looking forward to the future and preparing for the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup," she said.