Indian males's hockey crew captain Manpreet Singh on Thursday stated they're effectively ready to present six-time champion Australia a run for its cash on this yr's Commonwealth Video games, regardless of not taking part in towards the present world no.1 facet for over a yr.
Australia is probably the most profitable males's hockey crew in CWG's historical past, having received all of the six gold medals on provide because the recreation's introduction within the quadrennial occasion in 1998 Kuala Lumpur.
India, then again, completed runner-up twice in 2010 and 2014 editions.
"Although we (India and Australia) aren't in the identical group however there are each potentialities to satisfy them at later levels of the match. Now we have been constantly finding out their strengths and weaknesses," Manpreet stated in the course of the equipment unveiling ceremony of the CWG-bound Indian contingent right here.
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"We have not performed them for over a yr however our major focus can be on not giving Australia possibilities at first. Little question they're good crew, however we'll strive to not allow them to come contained in the D line and provides them a possibility to attain. We additionally want capitalise on our alternatives," the 30-year-old midfielder added.
India and Australia are positioned in numerous swimming pools within the Birmingham CWG to be held from July 28 to August 8. The Indians are positioned in Pool B alongside England, Canada, Wales and Ghana, whereas Pool A consists of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Scotland.
India will open its marketing campaign towards Ghana on July 31, adopted by matches towards England (August 1), Canada (August 3) and Wales (August 4).
Requested about its second pool match towards the house crew, Manpreet stated: England is a crew that may do effectively. So the one factor we have to focus is to not give them straightforward possibilities."
