India face Australia in first hockey Test

Sardar Singh

Perth, Nov 3 (IANS) A well-prepared India will take on World Champions Australia in the first of the four-match Test series at the Perth Hockey Stadium here Tuesday. As part of their preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, India are set to take up the challenge of facing the strong Australian team.

"It's exciting times for Indian hockey being up against the best team. It is the best exposure for the young boys as it will help them learn and grow. Playing against Australia is a benchmark and will bring out the best of the players. Training sessions have been going good so far and we are all growing as a team and it will be a good show coming up in this tournament," India chief coach Terry Walsh said.

With a 21-member squad, the Indian team will put more emphasis on giving maximum exposure to the young members.

"Champions Trophy is an important tournament for all of us as we will see world's best teams fighting it out for the title. It is a good opportunity for the junior players as this four-match series is going to helping them in improving their game," skipper Sardar Singh said.

"The training sessions have concluded pretty well and the whole team is performing well as a unit. We are working on the finishing at all positions, be it defence, mid-field or forward."

Sardar Singh added: "It's good to see the enthusiasm of the junior players as they are really keen to learn more. We as a team do not hesitate in discussion any issue and help each other learn and work on each others weaknesses together."