Champions Trophy: India face physical encounter against Aussies

Nobbs said he was pleased with the team's show in the Champions Trophy, which India entered by virtue of a wild-card despite finishing last in the 12-nation Olympic Games hockey competition.

"Making the Champions Trophy semifinals has been wonderful after some disappointing results recently," said coach Nobbs, bringing into context India's disappointing show in the Olympics.

Nobbs complimented the Indian defence for standing its ground to carry India into the semifinals.

India defenders VR Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh played a crucial role in keeping India afloat and held on to the early lead despite the strikers losing he ball easily and putting the defence under pressure.

These two defenders and goalkeeper TR Potunuri will have to reproduce the same form if India is to entertain hopes of getting past hosts Australia. Sardar has also been playing a withdrawn role, and is expected to do so again tomorrow.

"We have a problem with injuries, but the team needs to take that in its stride. Look at the way Sardar and Manpreet have continued to play by overcoming the pain," said Nobbs, adding that he took a calculated risk with striker SV Sunil, who will have no further role to play after aggravating his hamstring injury.

Nobbs said he took a chance in fielding right-wing striker Sunil in the quarterfinals, but Sunil could only play a limited role and the hamstring injury will now need recuperative rest of six weeks.

Australia's coach Graham Reid said his team was starting to peak despite scoring few goals in the preliminary league games.

"One of our objectives was to get better with each game. I think we played pretty well last night against England," said Reid, who has been given charge of the bench for the Champions Trophy by chief coach Ric Charlesworth.

... contd.

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