KRISTI Harrower will play for Australia on her home court for the first time in more than a decade next month. Basketball Australia yesterday announced that Bendigo would host game one of a three-game series between the Opals and Japan on June 9.The Opals World Challenge is the only time the side will play in Australia before they defend their title at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in September in the Czech Republic. Harrower, 35, is the only member of the Opals starting five from the Beijing Olympics that will play in the Japan series.Unavailable for the series are stars Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Belinda Snell and Tully Bevilaqua due to WNBA commitments.“I haven’t played for the Opals in Bendigo since 1998 when we played Russia, so it’s exciting at my age to get the chance to play in front of my home crowd again,” Harrower said.“The Opals have some great talent coming through, so it’s a great opportunity for Bendigo basketball fans to watch an international standard game.”Former Bendigo Lady Braves guard/forward Deanna Smith is also in the Opals squad of 16 for the series.“Deanna had another great season in the WNBL and she deserves her chance to play in the squad,” Harrower said.Games two and three of the series will be held in Geelong and Dandenong.Tickets for the Bendigo match go on sale on Monday from the Bendigo Spirit office on 5444 4208.