Bhubaneswar, Nov 30: Injury-hit Australian side may look somewhat weakened, but they are confident of defending their Champions Trophy hockey title here at the Kalinga Stadium.
The Kookaburras, who have won all last five editions of the tournament, were upbeat after reaching the Biju Patnaik International Airport Sunday.
Coach Graham Reid stated the team is confident of doing well with the ‘younger inexperienced’ team. “We won the FIH Champions Trophy in 2012, but this time we have younger inexperienced team. But at the same time with this team we are confident of doing well,” he said.
Reid said the new rules introduced in the tournament will be ‘the game changer’ and benefit the Australian team. “ As you know there are some rule changes with four quarters now and that’s the game changer in the tournament. With the new rule, we are working on a few things.”
Currently ranked number one in the world, the Australian team won the World Cup this year by thrashing the Netherlands 6-1. However, they have been hit by injuries to many of their key players including skipper Mark Knowles and five-time World Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer.
However, the new captain Eddie Ockenden, a veteran of 225 matches, said he his team is capable of defending the title. “All the opponents will give us a tough fight but we are ready for the challenge. When India toured Australia recently, they beat us three times. We have learned from our mistakes and will try not to repeat our mistakes.”
Talking about the capital, Ockenden said he likes to be here. “It’s good to be here again. I have been here in the city for the Hero Hockey India League before.”
Placed in Pool A with Belgium, England and Pakistan, Australia Men’s will play against England December 6 in their first match of the tournament.
