Hockey: England are confident: Australia provide test

SOMA SINGH and Jason Lee have received late calls into the England squad for tomorrow's Test against Australia at Reading to replace Kalbir Takher who has an ankle injury and Nick Thompson who is not available. Soma Singh's return could give a new dimension to the midfield and add flair.

Australia, straight from their victory in the Champions Trophy, were in impressive form, beating England Under-21 5-0 on Wednesday evening at Bisham. However, England's manager, David Whittle, believes it is important for England to continue their winning ways: 'We have beaten Germany, the Olympic champions, and now intend to do the same against Australia.'

In the Women's NCM Champions Trophy in Amsterdam, a win for Great Britain today against Germany will see them playing South Korea for the bronze medal tomorrow, a repeat of the Olympic third-place game.

Much will depend on whether Chris Cook can hold 19-year-old Heike Latzsch - the brilliant, speedy right winger. There is considerable confidence in the British camp.

ENGLAND SQUAD (v Australia, Test match at Reading tomorrow): J Potter (capt), R Thompson, P Bolland, S Hazlitt, S Barrow (all Hounslow), J Halls (Old Loughtonians), R Hill, R Garcia, D Williams (all Havant), Soma Singh, R Welch (both Southgate), P McGuire, J Laslett (both Teddington), J Lee, D Luckes (both East Grinstead), A Degun (Barford Tigers).