Cambage set to return from Achilles injury for Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Star center Liz Cambage has been included in the Australian women's basketball squad for a three-game series against Japan next week, when she is expected to return to national duties nine months after rupturing her Achilles.

The 23-year-old Cambage, who missed last year's world championships, is pushing for selection for next month's Olympic qualifying series against New Zealand.

Australia coach Brendan Joyce on Monday said ''It's a bonus to have her available for the series against Japan, but the focus is to have her on court against New Zealand - we'll ease her into it.''

Cambage was contracted to the WNBA's Tulsa Shock when she was injured in an exhibition against the United States in Paris last September.