The Jamaica Sunshine Girls and England Roses are set to clash in a four-match Test series in November.

Both teams are tied on 187 rating points, with England ranked third, one spot above the Sunshine Girls, due to having played eight more international matches. However, a series victory for the Jamaicans over England could elevate them to third place in the world rankings.

The series will see the Jamaicans travelling to England for the first two matches, scheduled for November 16 and 17. The return games will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Jamaica on November 25 and 26.

Netball Jamaica first vice-president Simone Forbes said the series is significant for the Sunshine Girls and has assured that every effort would be made to ensure the team has the support needed for success.

“It is a very important series for us because England and Jamaica, as you know, are tied on points,” she said. ‘England is ranked third, and Jamaica is fourth, so this series is crucial for both teams in terms of rankings.

“If Jamaica is successful in all four matches, we could take over the third spot, moving England to fourth.”

Jamaica has eight players competing in Suncorp Super Netball in Australia, including captain and goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler. Forbes, a former Sunshine Girls captain herself, confirmed that all of Jamaica’s top players would be available for the series under coach Sasher-Gay Henry.

“They are very excited, especially since they will be playing at home in front of their families, fans, and the Jamaican people,” Forbes said. “We haven’t had one of these series in a while, so they are really looking forward to it. Filling up the National Indoor Sports Centre will be a big deal for them, as it has been a few years since we’ve had something like this.”

In addition to Fowler, other overseas-based Jamaican players available for the series include Shamera Sterling, Latanya Wilson, Shimona Nelson, Jodi-Ann Ward, Romelda Aiken, Shanice Beckford, and Kadie-Ann Dehaney. Forbes said the Sunshine Girls will also host South Africa for a three-Test series on home soil in January.

FORBES…filling up the National Indoor Sports Centre will be a big deal for them (Observer file)