Australia favourites but Pakistan could surprise at Azlan Shah

Pakistan will open their Azlan Shah Cup campaign against New Zealand on Thursday. - File photo by AP Pakistan will open their Azlan Shah Cup campaign against New Zealand on Thursday. - File photo by AP

IPOH: World champions Australia are tipped to make a strong impression at the seven-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia despite fielding a new-look side as teams build towards the London Olympics.
Australia, winners of last year’s World Cup in India, are joined in the tournament at Ipoh’s Azlan Shah Stadium by Britain, South Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, India and host nation Malaysia.

India, South Korea and Malaysia are making plans for next year’s Olympic qualifiers while the other four teams have already secured their berths for London.
Pakistan, surprise gold medallists at last year’s Asian Games, have named several veterans as they prepare for London.
Pakistan team manager K.M. Junaid said the team was a blend of young and experienced players and they could mount a strong challenge at the Ipoh tournament. “I am confident of my team doing well,” he said.
The Pakistanis are coached by Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel.
Pakistan play New Zealand in the opening match Thursday followed by South Korea against India.
The Australian team is almost unrecognisable from the side that won gold at last year’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi due to unavailability and injuries but team bosses are not worried about the make-up of the side.
“Depth in your squad is important for any team that wants to be successful because there will always be situations where players are unavailable for various reasons, as has happened at this tournament to us,” said Ric Charlesworth, Australian chief coach.
“It’s important that players can step in and not feel out of place and know all of the team structures and game plan.”
World number one side Australia and India are the most successful teams in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup history with five titles each.
The Indians also have a depleted side with six senior players left out but chief coach Harinder Singh said it would allow him to try out new players.
“Our focus is the Olympic qualifiers, which we will host next year. We need new faces as well to provide a challenge for the seniors.”
Britain then open their campaign against hosts Malaysi
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