Madgen to captain Opals at home World Cup | Magnet | Eden, NSW

2022-09-10 01:19:50 By : Ms. Julie yi

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Tess Madgen has been announced as Australia's captain for the upcoming Women's Basketball World Cup, which begins in Sydney on September 22.

The 32-year-old guard is set to captain the Opals on her own for the first time, having shared duties with Cayla George in the friendly series against Japan in May.

Madgen made her senior international debut in 2011, won silver at the last World Cup in 2018 and was a member of the Olympic squad in Tokyo.

She will be joined in the leadership group by Steph Talbot and Sami Whitcomb.

"It's a huge honour to captain your country, especially in a home World Cup," Madgen told AAP.

"I never thought it would happen.

"(But) I'm not the only leader on the team, our success will be relying on everyone having a leadership role.

"Everyone leads in their own different way. They wouldn't be here if they didn't."

Former Opals captain Lauren Jackson is coming out of international retirement to feature at the World Cup and endorsed Madgen as skipper.

"She made a really nice speech when I was presented as captain," Madgen said.

"She said she thought I was the right person for the job."

Of the Opals' 12-woman squad, 10 are currently in training on the Gold Coast, with remaining members Talbot and Ezi Magbegor returning to Australia from WNBA duties in the coming days.

"Training has been really intense, which is what you could expect two weeks out from the World Cup," Madgen said.

"Things are coming together really nicely."

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