Nelson and Taylor Selected for Hockeyroos Test Series

Western Australian Institute of Sport athletes Ashleigh Nelson and Jayde Taylor have been selected for the Hockeyroos for the up-coming five test series with Japan in Kalgoorlie and Perth.

18 players have been selected for the opening two tests in Kalgoorlie, before the series moves to the Perth International Hockey Centre for the remaining three matches, where the Australians will select from an expanded squad of 22.

Ashleigh Nelson – who boasts over 100 caps for Australian – has been selected in both squads, whilst 2012 London Olympian Jayde Taylor will join the Hockeyroos set-up for the three matches in Perth.

Speaking as the squad was announced, Commens said, “Japan will be one of our opponents at the World Cup so the five Tests are a great opportunity to learn more about a team that we haven’t played against competitively since 2010 when we met them at the last World Cup.

“The games provide a chance for us to use all of our players from the national squad and we’ll endeavour to give everyone a chance to push their case for selection as we head towards the World Cup.”

Looking ahead to the opening two matches in Kalgoorlie Commens added, “We were fortunate to visit Kalgoorlie last year and had a very successful few days there. Almost immediately afterwards we began organising another visit. The support we received from the people of Kalgoorlie was excellent and we’re very much looking forward to being back in front of a large crowd there again.”

Ninth in the FIH world rankings, opponents Japan sit just five spots behind fourth placed Australia. The two sides will clash again in the pool round match at the World Cup in The Hague on 2 June.

-HockeyAustralia