India will face a tough task tomorrow in the match against Australia ‘A’ at Perth Hockey Stadium in Perth.
This is the last match for India in the long Australian tour; obviously the visitors will like to wind off the tour with a win, but it is not going to be easy. The Australian A team is not a push over, that is sure. The tas for India is tough indeed as Australian ‘A’ is namesake second team, in fact it is a strong outfit with some seniors sprung into it.
Australian coach Ric Charlesworth provided exposure to all the 30 players at his disposal in the ongoing tri-nation series. He is yet to announce the team for the December Champions Trophy.
This has obviously provided scope for all the players to stake claim, they are gearing up for it whether they are in senior team or in ‘A’ team
The difference between A and senior team is narrow; as once Michael Nobbs put it all the first three teams of Australia are equivalent to national team of other countries.
Today, the Australia A were practicing in the main pitch, with David Bell and Paul Lissek guiding them, and then Ric Charlesworth joined them.
Some senior players like Bevan George, were part of the trainees, besides at least six players who played for Australia in various test matches and Commonwealth Games.
India on the other hand is handicapped with the absence of Rajpal Singh, who has abdominal problems and is ruled out. He did not play last tow matches at Bunbury either.
India can of course play suspended players like Gurwinder Chandi and Gurbaj SIngh, because this is only test match variety. This match is not part of the tri-Nation.
Indians have returned from Bunbury and are now in Perth.
India came to Perth on October 14, figured in series of matches held before and after Lanco Hockey 9s.