Bates answersKookaburra call
IPSWICH hockey product Tim Bates was yesterday named in the Australian Kookaburras squad for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia next month.
Perth-based Bates has been recalled to the national line-up for the tournament from March 9-17.
The longest serving invitational tournament in the world will showcase six of the world's best teams in a round-robin format.
Australia is the most successful team, having won six titles, their most recent being in 2011.
A resurgent Indian side will meet the Kookaburras in their opening match.
The world number two Kookaburras will face 2012 Champions Trophy bronze medallist and Asian Champions Trophy winner Pakistan in their second round match.
Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth has a strong side, including seven 2012 Champions Trophy gold medallists' George Bazeley, Joel Carroll, Andrew Charter, Trent Mitton, Glenn Simpson, Jacob Whetton and Tristan White.
"With five debutants and a handful of players with only a few caps each, it's a great opportunity to develop the depth as part of the refreshment and renewal of our list,'' Charlesworth said.
