22-member women`s hockey squad announced for NZ tour

New Delhi: Veteran striker Surinder Kaur will lead a 22-member Indian women`s hockey squad in the

five-match Test series against New Zealand from May 13 to 23. The series, to be played at Palmerston North in Wellington, is part of the India team`s preparation for the Women`s World Cup at Rosario, Argentina in August. The squad was picked after a two-day selection trial in Bhopal, a Hockey India release said. The Squad: Goalkeepers: Deepika Murthy, E Rajini Defenders: Binita Toppo, Subhadra Pradhan, Joydeep Kaur Midfielders: Ritu Rani, Mukta Barla, Deepika Thakur, Kirandeep Kaur, Rosalin Ralte. Forwards: Surinder Kaur (Captain), Jasjeet Kaur, Rani, Saba Anjum, Chanchan Devi, Soundarya Yendala, Poonam Rani, Monika Badran. Standbys: Yogita Bali, Preeti Kiro, Thokchom Ranjita Devi and Rosalin Dungdung. Chief coach: K Kaushik; Coach: Vasu Thaplial; Manager: Madhu Yadav. Schedule: 1st Test - 15th May; 2nd Test - 16th May; 3rd Test - 19th May; 4th Test - 22nd May; 5th Test - 23rd May. PTI