Hockey: India anger Whittle: Britain's Barcelona plans disrupted

DAVID WHITTLE, Britain's manager, was furious on hearing news that India had withdrawn at the last minute from the Four Nations' Tournament, which starts in Barcelona tomorrow, writes Bill Colwill.

It is not the first time that India has embarrassed organisers in this way, and Whittle will be calling for strong action to be taken by the International Hockey Federation. He has also asked the Spanish federation if it will now be possible to play the other teams involved, Spain and Belgium, twice.

John Shaw, England's captain, has withdrawn from the indoor squad to play in a Five Nations' Tournament next week because of business commitments. His place will be taken by Nick Thompson.

ENGLAND SQUAD (v Australia, Denmark, Scotland and United States, 13/14 January, Kidderminster): D Luckes (East Grinstead), S Mason (Firebrands), M Sutton (Bournville), Soma Singh (Southgate), J Halls, N Thompson (Old Loughtonians), A Humphrey (Welton), J Laslett (capt), P McGuire (Teddington), R Crutchley (Hounslow), P Nail, D Williams (Havant).