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The Diamonds have started their Netball Nations Cup campaign with a solid 63-50 victory over New Zealand at Wembley Arena.
Australia opened up a 29-22 lead at half time thanks to Cara Koenen and Kiera Austin's sharp-shooting, but a flawless shooting performance from Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke kept New Zealand in the contest.
Neither side missed a shot on goal in the third quarter as the Silver Ferns threatened a comeback.
But a dominant 19-11 final term from the Aussies, led by Sophie Garbin and Sophie Dwyer helped Australia to a comfortable 13-goal victory.
Liz Watson starred for the Diamonds with 44 circle feeds.
Hosts England also got their campaign off to a winning start, beating Uganda 62-56 at the same venue.
Uganda were within touch at the final change, just one goal in arrears before England's experience saw the hosts pull away to complete a six-goal win.
England shooter Helen Housby said the Roses will have to improve if they are to beat Australia on Sunday.
"We can definitely be a lot better than that," Housby said.
"Uganda came out and really gave it to us — but we can definitely be cleaner."
Seventh-ranked side Uganda, playing in a series against the world's top teams for the first time, having never beaten England.
The Diamonds will take on England in a repeat of last year's World Cup final, won by 12-time champions Australia.
Australia has won the last eight international trophies they have contested since 2022.
The Netball Nations Cup sees all four teams meet once in a round-robin scenario, with the top two teams meeting in a final next weekend.
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