NATALIE Haythornthwaite has been named in the England Netball squad to face Australia in a three-match international series next month.

Barrowford’s Haythornthwaite, who turns 23 today, was named in Tracy Neville’s squad to face Australia at the Liverpool Echo Arena on January 20, followed by a double header at London’s Copper Box Arena on January 22 and January 24.

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Several members of the 2015 England World Cup squad are taking a brief break from the international stage and therefore haven’t been named in the squad for the Australia Series.

Following a gruelling and committed four-year programme for the previous cycle, Stacey Francis, Serena Guthrie, Joanne Harten and Geva Mentor are taking additional time to recuperate ahead of the new domestic season.

Haythornthwaite was named the 2015 Superleague Player of the Season.

That form earned her a first England cap in May as the Roses faced Trinidad & Tobago in a three-match international series, and she has now retained her spot in the squad for the visit of world champions Australia in an eagerly-anticipated series, which will be screened live on Sky Sports.

And as expected Haythornthwaite has been named in Manchester Thunder’s 15-player squad for the 2016 Superleague season.

She made the switch from the Yorkshire Jets earlier this year.