Hockey tri-series: Pakistan look to learn from Australia

Greenshirts take on world champions in their first match today.

KARACHI: In what will be their last international tournament before the Champions Trophy, Pakistan seek to learn from world champions Australia as the two sides meet in the tri-series today.

Australia have already sent out a warning signal to their opponents with an 8-3 demolition of India, the third side participating in the series, in  yesterday’s encounter. The latter will look to bounce back when they face Pakistan tomorrow before playing another round to qualify for the final scheduled to take place on November 2.

“It’s a very important tournament,” team manager Khwaja Junaid told The Express Tribune from Busselton on eve of the match.

“The tour is a build-up for the Champions Trophy and it will help us overcome our weaknesses.  Australia’s presence will benefit us, especially the youngsters, greatly. They are the top team in the world and we can learn a lot from them.”

The Olympian also expected thrilling matches against India during the tournament.

“It is always good playing against India and we are expecting tough competition from them as well.”

Junaid added that the experience gained from taking part in the recently concluded nine-a-side series will help Pakistan in the tri-series which will take place with the normal rules and regulations.

Pakistan finished third in the tournament where they defeated India and lost to Australia, the eventual champions.

“It was a good experience and the tournament also lifted the morale of the team,” said Junaid before giving a positive fitness report of the players.

“We reached here a couple of days ago and held training sessions. All the players are fit and eyeing a good show.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2011.