SYDNEY, July 28: Australia have reacted sharply to their fourth place in the World Cup by announcing five major changes to the squad for a Pre-Commonwealth Games field hockey series against Malaysia next month.Determined to boost their gold medal ambitions for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, coach Terry Walsh and selectors today put their faith in youth, dumping several long-serving players.
Left out of the 16-man squad, for the August 20 to 23 series in Malaysia, were goalkeeper Lachlan Dreher, halfback Lachlan Elmer and forwards Paul Lewis and Baeden Choppy. Veteran centre half, David Wansbrough announced his international retirement on Sunday.
Taking their places were Mark Hickman, James Elmer, Brent Levermore, Jeremy Hiskins and Lachlan Vivien-Taylor.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
