Four-time Olympic medallist Lauren Jackson has been included in the Opals team to compete in the Brazil qualifying tournament for the Paris Games.
The 42-year-old has had an illustrious career in domestic and international basketball, being a three-time WNBA MVP as well as claiming medals at four successive Olympics between 2000 and 2012.
Jackson retired in 2016 because of ongoing knee problems. She missed that year's Games in Rio and had seemingly hobbled away from the sport forever.
But she returned to domestic basketball and went on to be part of the Opals team that claimed bronze at the 2022 World Cup in Sydney.
Her experience in high-pressure matches will be invaluable in Brazil next month as the Opals look to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
She is one of eight players from the World Cup team to be named, the others being Tess Madgen, Cayla George, Marianna Tolo, Ezi Magbegor, Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs and Sami Whitcomb.
The qualifying tournament runs from February 8-11 in Belem, Brazil, with world No.3 Australia needing to finish in the top three in their pool to book an Olympic ticket.
Brazil, Germany and Serbia are in the same group as Australia.
Opals head coach Sandy Brondello said while injuries to key players had impacted selection, the team was focused and ready to hit the ground running.
Steph Talbot, Kristy Wallace, Darcee Garbin and Alice Kunek were all unavailable for selection.
“I’m really happy to finally announce the team, we have been hit with some injuries for sure, but that’s the nature of what we do,” Brondello said.
“Brazil is first up and with the home crowd they will be tough.
"Germany is a team on the rise, and we have a really competitive history against Serbia, so there are no easy games.
“We have limited preparation time for this window, but we will take that as a motivator, this is where our experienced players will really make a difference.
"We are completely locked in now on the three games and securing our Olympic spot.”
OPALS TEAM
Rebecca Allen, Sara Blicavs, Isobel Borlase, Cayla George, Lauren Jackson, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Stephanie Reid, Alanna Smith, Marianna Tolo, Samantha Whitcomb.
AUSTRALIA'S SCHEDULE
* February 8 v Brazil
* February 10 v Germany
* February 11 v Serbia
