Field action picks up on high pitch with Indian juniors tour of Pakistan in the next fortnight.

The final phase of the Pakistan bound junior team is undergoing a centralized training at present at Bhopal, where in a couple of days trails will be taking place.

Indian colts will play five test matches in different cities of Pakistan.

The Junior team then will fly off to distant Argentina for another 5-match series against the newly crowned Junior Pan Am Champions, Argentina. It is perhaps first time juniors are going so far to play a series in North American continent. Exchanges between Asia and American continents are rare, and the tour breaks the ice.

Argentina tour is scheduled for December.

In January, India will play a Junior 4-Nation tournament between 14 and 18th in Australia.

In all likelihood, India will also play a junior tournament — Pre World Cup Test Event – at Johar Baru (Malaysia) on the newly laid turf in March. This event could well be a 4-Nation or even a 8-Nation. The 2009 Jr. World Cup will be held simultaneously in Singapore and Johar Baru.

Now comes the question of senior Indian team.

It is almost certain now this year will not see our seniors in action. Early next year, India will open its international turf action with the tour of Pakistan. Shortly, Pakistan will return to play return leg (three-match series)in India. India is yet to finalize the venues.

After two weeks, the double leg 4-Nation (Chandigarh and Jalandhar) will commence from January 31 to February 9.

India will tour New Zealand for a 4-Match Test Series – 2 in Auckland and the rest in other centres.

India might avail the chance to play in Australia against local teams on its return. Incidentally, the AHL (the Australian Hockey League) will have started by that time.

In May, the usual Azlan stuff is waiting. India has confirmed its participation. The exact dates of Azlan Cup is yet to be announced.

It is also gathered that India might go off for a European tour in June/July. It seems Belgium, Spain, England, Germany and Holland might show interest in the tour.

Probably, after July, turfs in Delhi, host of the 2010 World Cup, will have been laid — and its time for others to visit India.

Meanwhile the IOA sources confide the appointment of foreign coach is on high track, and the announcement is expected by the end of this year in any case.

It is interesting to see how our coaches and selectors will plan and cope up with the series of matches planned, and make most of them.