India v NZ hockey: The Blues looks to claim series in final test
India head into the fourth and the final test match against New Zealand with an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. Dharamvir Singh's winner in the dying moments handed India a 3-2 win against the hosts in the third test at Christchurch, which turned out to be an exhilarating contest.
Irrespective of the outcome of the final test, New Zealand will preserve their inglorious record of having failed to win a bilateral series against an Indian team, since their encounter against the Indian Army side way back in 1926.
Roelant Oltmans' men have bounced back brilliantly after losing the first test and they are now looking like the favorites to win the series at Christchurch tomorrow. If they manage to do so, India will repeat the feat they achieved on their last trip to New Zealand, back in 2009.
The current FIH rankings place the Black Sticks one rank ahead of 8th placed India with a 42 point lead. The visitors now have the opportunity to climb above New Zealand, when the standings are updated next. A series win could even see them displace Argentina, who are currently 6th.
For Roelant Oltmans and his men, this series has provided them with the perfect preparation ahead of the upcoming Hockey World League Finals in Raipur and the Rio Olympics. PR Sreejesh has been one of the standout performers for the Indian team and it appears the three-week camp held by former South African goalkeeper Dave Staniforth, prior to this series, has had a positive impact on the player who appears for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the HIL.
Despite conceding two goals in the last game, Oltmans praised the defensive strength of his side and insisted that the team has worked hard to recover from the loss in the first test.
"The team is very positive after the consecutive victories against the home side. "I have seen a significant improvement in the boys and they have immensely worked on their strategies and tactics by rectifying their mistakes committed in the first match. Our defence is a huge strength for us and I hope we conclude the final game of the tour on a winning note," the Indian team coach told PTI.
Ramandeep Singh will also look to continue his goalscoring form, having scored in the last two matches. With him in form, India have certainly looked more potent from penalty corners in this series, which bodes well for the future.
Unlike the first three games, the fourth test won't be held under the lights. The match will start at 05:30 IST and the Hockey New Zealand website will provide live streaming for this game.
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