England's Pamela Cookey converted 20 out of 21 attempts on goal

England claimed a first Test match win over Australia in 29 years on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Co-Operative series in Liverpool.

The hosts made early inroads, going 9-6 in front by the end of the first quarter before the Diamonds pulled it back to 18-18 by the second break.

But England built on their early momentum, leading 30-26 at the third quarter and holding on for a 41-40 win.

The second match in the series is in Nottingham on Sunday, 21 February.

England secured a shortened version Fast Net win over Australia at the World Netball Series in Manchester in October before their rivals gained revenge in a third-place play off.

But this success was the first at Test level since 1981, when England head coach Sue Hawkins was actually playing for the Green and Gold.

Hawkins was delighted with her side's latest performance, but expects the Aussies to come roaring back in the second match.

"They'll come back fighting in Nottingham, that's inbred in them," Hawkins said.

"Australia will be hurting, they won't like it and they'll come back with a tougher approach."

But Hawkins insists the result in Liverpool was no fluke and believes her side can go on to complete a series triumph.

"These girls have got something special and I truly believe in this team and we'll go out even stronger," she added.

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