High on confidence after being crowned Asian Champions, India’s men’s hockey team will test its skills against world number one Australia in a four-test series, beginning in Perth on Tuesday. The series will prepare the side for the prestigious Champions Trophy, scheduled for next month in India.

And India captain Sardar Singh agreed. “Champions Trophy is an important tournament for all of us, as we will see world’s best teams fighting it out for the title. It is a good opportunity for the junior players as this four-match series is majorly going to benefit them by helping them learn the nitty-gritty’s of hockey at international level,” Sardar said.

“The training sessions have concluded pretty well and the whole team is performing well as a unit. We are working on the finishing at all positions, be it defence, mid-field or forward.

“It’s good see the enthusiasm of the junior players as they are really keen to learn more. We as a team do not hesitate in discussion any issue and help each other learn and work on each other’s weaknesses together,” he said.

Coach Terry Walsh, who created ripples recently by quitting his post before agreeing to continue, said it was “exciting times” for his players being up against the best team in the world.

“It is the best possible exposure for the young boys,” Walsh said.