Netballers unfazed by New Delhi threat

Australia's netballers have no intention of pulling out of the Commonwealth Games despite a recent terrorist threat against athletes due to compete in India.

Coach Norma Plummer took team leaders Sharelle McMahon and Natalie von Bertouch, management and medical staff to Delhi on the way to the Diamonds' UK tour and was satisfied with Games arrangements.

"I just went to India on the way here and found everything to be fine," Plummer told AAP after her team lost their first Test to England since 1981 on Saturday (AEDT).

"If Commonwealth Games are having the Games, we're going, so all the players want to represent Australia at Commonwealth Games.

"The only reason we wouldn't go it if they cancelled it, not us."

Plummer said her team would heed all security advice after threats by al-Qaeda-linked militants.

"It's business as usual for us and we will be setting ourselves up to make sure we're going," she added.

Plummer was pleased with the efforts of her youthful squad, who are without five senior players including the injured McMahon, despite their 41-40 loss to England in Liverpool.

"I don't think England has got too much more to show," she said.

"That's their senior group ... as far as caps and internationals and combinations on court, we are pretty green.

"We can change up a bit. That's experience."

England head coach Sue Hawkins was wearing green and gold in 1981 and facing her now assistant Kendra Slawinski.

Meanwhile, player of the match and England defender Geva Mentor pointed out she wasn't even born when the English last won a Test against Australia.

Hawkins said: "They'll come back fighting, that's inbred. They'll be hurting, they won't like it and they'll come back with a tougher approach."

Mentor said: "All of us are absolutely ecstatic with the win. It was hard fought but we made quite a few errors."

Kate Beveridge, the least experienced of Australia's shooters, led the scoring percentages with 13 goals from 16 attempts in the half she played, while the experienced Susan Pratley played a full game and shot 21 from 29.

Defender and vice-captain Mo'onia Gerrard returned after missing Australia's second Test against Scotland with an ankle injury.

A four-goal deficit after the third quarter put the Diamonds under pressure and Plummer made three changes for the final term, sending on newcomers Madison Browne, Laura Geitz and Rebecca Bulley, who made an impact.

But a stepping call against Pratley in the goal circle during the final minutes proved crucial as the hosts held on for victory.

"This is not about this series for us," Plummer said.

"This gives us development and it gives us the depth we need to select the right team.

"We should have the best ever squad to choose from for Commonwealth Games."

Australia took the silver medal behind New Zealand and ahead of England at the 2006 Games in Melbourne.

The Diamonds face England in the second of three Tests in Nottingham on Monday (AEDT).