International foes form Super Netball duo

There's less than 100 days to the World Cup but English superstar Jo Harten's focus is on the looming Super Netball season and forming a shooting partnership with Australian captain Caitlin Bassett.

The Giants star was an integral part of the England team that shaded Australia in the epic 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal match last year.

"I keep my mouth shut ... it's business as usual when you get back to Giants," Harten said.

"You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, especially not your teammates but there will be a little bit of banter."

Either side of the World Cup, Harten will be in the shooting circle alongside Bassett, who has joined the Giants from two-time defending premiers Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Bassett fractured her forearm in January and she and Harten are yet to play together, though they have done some work at training and the Diamonds leader is expected to be fit for round one in three weeks.

"I've seen her play, I know what she's about, I know that she's extremely talented in the circle," Harten said,

Harten had an injury scare of her own late last year when she suffered a partial tear of an anterior cruciate ligament.

"I stretched it and the surgeon said ,'It's still there, it's still hanging on, it just needs a bit of down time and love and care', which was sort of hard to give it," Harten said.

"But it's one of the pinnacles of your career, you've got a home World Cup, you've just won a Commonwealth Games gold medal, so keep pushing through and then the break will come this September."

Harten said players faced an intense period with the Super Netball season either side of the World Cup.

"It's going to make for very interesting viewing to see how players cope with the pressure physically, mental and switching from being friends at the Giants (to) potentially me and C Bass trying to beat other at the World Cup," Harten said.

Defending champions Australia and the Roses split two Quad Series games since the Commonwealth Games and together with New Zealand are expected to be the main contenders for the World Cup in July.

'The excitement is building ... I saw a lot of media back home, it's getting good coverage," Harten said.