Five-Test series learning curve
national women’s team were left alone for seven months, and now they have been thrown into a Five-Test series against none other than World No 9 ranked India of all teams.
As expected they lost the First Test 3-0 on Thursday, and coach K. Dharmaraj expects more torrid times ahead as they gear up for the Second Test today.
“I was elated when India accepted our offer to play a Five-Test series in Bukit Jalil against our women’s team who are ranked way below them (World No 22), as we normally meet in the Asian Champions Trophy, Asian Games, Asia Cup or Commonwealth Games.
“After playing against each other in all these tournaments, the scoreline has been close since the 6-1 thrashing we endured during the 2014 Asian Games,” Dharmaraj pointed out.
In the last three meetings, India won 3-2 in the Donghae Asian Champions Trophy, 4-1 in the Commonwealth Games and 2-0 in the Asia Cup.
This Five-Test series is being held to prepare the team for the FIH Series Finals in Dublin, Ireland from June 8-16. Malaysia have been drawn in Group A together with Ireland, the Czech Republic and Singapore.
In Group B are South Korea, Scotland, Ukraine and France.
“And the MHC (Malaysia Hockey Confederation) have also agreed to arrange for matches against European sides Italy and Spain just before the Dublin preOlympic Qualifier.
“This will help the team to get more valuable match experience ahead of their all-important assignment.”
On the Five-Test series against India, Dharmaraj had this to say; “I did not see any full press in the First Test from India, so I believe the remaining four matches will be much more difficult than the first, but I have prepared my team for this Test series and they know what to expect where this learning curve is concerned,” said Dharmaraj, who surprised everybody by taking Malaysia into the World League Round Two final against Ireland.
The Second Test will be played today at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil at 6pm.