England were beaten 28-26 by New Zealand in the final a year ago and the IFNA top-ranked Silver Ferns will once again be the team to beat in the Fast Net formula. They have yet to lose a World Series, having beaten Jamaica in the final in Manchester in the inaugural event in 2009.

Australia are currently ranked second in the world, with England third and Jamaica fourth. The other teams taking part in this weekend's action are South Africa and Fiji.

Molly Rhone, President of IFNA commented: "I am delighted to confirm that this year's World Netball Series will again be held at the Echo Arena Liverpool. Teams, officials and spectators really enjoyed the thrilling Fast Net competition last year. We know that this year will be even better and we look forward to another warm welcome from Liverpool City and the staff at the Echo Arena Liverpool".

Fast Net is neball with a twist, designed to speed up the action while retaining the basic tenets of the game.

It is a formula which has worked with Twenty20 cricket and has proved immensely popular with netball fans since the World Series was launched in Manchester in 2009.

The main rule changes are:

Shorter quarters: 4 x 6 minute quarters rather than 15 minutes.
Power Play: a team can have one quarter where their goals will count for double points.
Long shots: goals can be scored from outside the circle and if successful are worth double points.
Rolling substitutions: teams can make an unlimited number of substitutions whilst play is in progress.
Centre passes: will be taken by the team who conceded the last goal rather than alternating between the teams.
Coaching: is allowed during the game from the marked coaching area.
Time outs: all injury stoppages will be limited to 30 seconds.