Australia has named a star-studded contingent for the up-coming Asia Pacific Championships, leaving nothing to chance for the two week campaign in Adelaide.
 
This morning, the national selection panel finalised its line-ups for the prestigious tournament, opting to make only one change from the Australia v South Africa test series side earlier this month.
 
Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist Mark Casey will return to international duties, replacing Broadbeach’s Sean Baker.
 
With its women’s team remaining intact, world number four Kelsey Cottrell will once again lead the charge, with Australian captain Lynsey Armitage, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Karen Murphy, Natasha Van Eldik and recent debutant Rebecca Quail all given the opportunity to chase more medals in Adelaide.
 
In the men’s team, world number three Aron Sherriff spearheads a formidable outfit that includes world number four Brett Wilkie, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Casey, 2009 Asia Pacific Championships gold medallist Mark Berghofer, and 2007 Asia Pacific Championships gold medallist Nathan Rice.
 
Having dominated the 2009 Asia Pacific Championships in Kuala Lumpur, which included two gold, two silver and three bronze from eight events, the Australians will be eager to once again perform on the international stage.
 
"It’s been very hard to select this team," national coach Steve Glasson said this morning.
 
"I’m very impressed with the efforts out there, I can’t emphasise that enough.
 
“It’s very difficult; the hardest part is leaving someone out, especially when they have been performing solidly.
 
"We’re in the great situation where we are blessed with talent; there is no doubt about it.
 
"There is a lot of depth, and a couple of our newer and lesser profiled players really put their hand up to get selected.
 
“It is a healthy situation to be in.
 
“I think any of the seven that missed out in either squad have got to be considered somewhat unlucky.
 
“I really feel for those that haven’t succeeded on this occasion.
 
“Casey has brought a very spirited approach to his game over the last few months; he certainly looks very hungry out there.
 
“We are delighted with the line-up.”
 
Despite Australia’s success at the last Asia Pacific Championships, there is a new look men’s line-up, with Berghofer the only player to be retained from the 2009 campaign.
 
The 2011 Asia Pacific Championships will be staged at Lockleys Bowling Club and Holdfast Bay Bowls & Croquet Club in Adelaide from Tuesday, November 29 and will run through to Sunday, December 11.
 
Click here for more information on the 2011 Asia Pacific Championships.
 
WOMEN
Lynsey Armitage (Helensvale, QLD)
Kelsey Cottrell (St Johns Park, NSW)
Karen Murphy (Cabramatta, NSW)
Rebecca Quail (Invermay, TAS)
Natasha Van Eldik (Raymond Terrace, NSW)
 
MEN
Aron Sherriff (Ettalong Memorial, NSW)
Brett Wilkie (Helensvale, QLD)
Nathan Rice (Helensvale, QLD)
Mark Casey (Helensvale, QLD)
Mark Berghofer (St Johns Park, NSW)