Crutchley names squad for Australia tour
Great Britain Head Coach Bobby Crutchley has named a squad of 22 athletes to compete in the test series with Australia. Crutchley’s side will play the World Champions in three test matches, with two games in Narrogin and one in Perth as they step up their preparations for the Hockey Champions Trophy and the Olympic Games.
The squad leave for Australia today (11 May) and will play warm-up matches against Western Australia on 16 and 18 May before the first test on 21 May at 1430 local time. The second test follows on 22 May before the final match in the series on 24 May.
The Great Britain squad has a number of players who could reach landmarks during the series. Reading’s Simon Mantell is set to win his 200th combined Great Britain and England cap, currently the No8 has 199 appearances to his name. There could also be centuries for Scotland’s Chris Grassick (currently on 99 combined caps) and England’s Mikey Hoare (97 combined caps) whilst Adam Dixon will reach his half century of Great Britain caps in the next match he plays. Completing the list of milestones is Phil Roper. The Wimbledon man who helped his side to a second consecutive domestic title just weeks ago is poised to win his 50th international cap should he feature in two of the tests.
The Kookaburras, coached by Graham Reid are currently top of the FIH World rankings and will also feature at the Hockey Champions Trophy in London. They will take on Great Britain in their opening match of the competition in London on Friday 10 June. Tickets for what promises to be another top class clash between the two old rivals.
Head Coach Bobby Crutchley said of the series:
“This is another important part of our preparation for the Champions Trophy and the Olympic Games. We want to challenge ourselves against the best and Australia in their own back yard is about as tough as it gets.”
“It’s a great opportunity for the squad to play against a different style of hockey in different conditions and will be a chance for a number of individuals to stake a claim for selection for the tournaments this summer. It’s not going to be easy but we are really looking forward to a positive trip and continuing our development as a group ahead of a big summer of hockey.”
Matches will be streamed live via Epicentre.tv.
Full squad for Australia tour:
|
Name |
Club |
|
David Ames |
Beeston |
|
James Bailey (GK) |
Wimbledon |
|
Alastair Brogdon |
Wimbledon |
|
Nick Catlin |
Holcombe |
|
David Condon |
East Grinstead |
|
Adam Dixon |
Beeston |
|
Alan Forsyth |
Surbiton |
|
Dan Fox |
Holcombe |
|
Mark Gleghorne |
Beeston |
|
Chris Grassick |
Surbiton |
|
Mikey Hoare |
Wimbledon |
|
Ashley Jackson |
Holcombe |
|
Iain Lewers |
Holcombe |
|
Simon Mantell |
Reading |
|
Harry Martin |
Beeston |
|
Barry Middleton |
Holcombe |
|
George Pinner |
Holcombe |
|
Phil Roper |
Wimbledon |
|
Dan Shingles |
Reading |
|
Ian Sloan |
Wimbledon |
|
Sam Ward |
Holcombe |
|
Henry Weir |
Wimbledon |
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