The 29-year-old will be at the helm of the reigning world champions for the Netball Quad Series, which begins on Saturday (August 26).

She replaces Sharni Layton, who has withdrawn from the Quad Series due to exhaustion. 

Once fit to return, Layton will re-join the Australia set-up as part of a four-person leadership team under Bassett.

Madi Robinson and Gabi Simpson have also been confirmed as co-vice captains.

The leadership group will guide Australia to their home Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast in April next year.

Bassett, a goal shooter, becomes the 24th Australian captain after being voted in by her peers. 

"The fact that it's a team vote, gives me so much confidence," said Bassett. 

"In a group that has such strong leaders, I was really humbled and honoured to be chosen from them. 

"There is no higher honour than being chosen by your team-mates.

"It's an exciting period for the Diamonds, as we have so many fresh faces, all challenging for a place in the team ahead of a big two years with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup in Liverpool in 2019."

The Netball Quad Series features Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa.

The Australians will begin against England on home soil in Brisbane on Saturday. 

"It's going to be critical to have a strong leadership group over the next 12 months," said head coach Lisa Alexander. 

"We will work closely with the leadership group to ensure that we take care of all the details." 

Bassett, who plays for club side Sunshine Coast Lightning, has won two world titles with Australia, in 2011 and 2015.

She also won the Commonwealth Games title at Glasgow 2014.