Several top Australian hockey players, including four who have led the country in international competitions, have joined the Hockey India League (HIL).
Elite players like Mark Knowles, Fergus Kavanagh, Liam de Young and Edward Ockenden will be part of the HIL auction to be held next month.
Luke Dorner, Russell Ford, Kiel Brown, Simon Orchard, Christopher Ciriello and Rob Hammond are some other Aussie stars who have agreed to take part in the event starting from Jan 5.
With nearly 300 caps, 31-year-old de Young has the ability to play anywhere on the field. Ockenden, a natural striker who has adapted himself well in the midfield, has the experience of 170-odd matches. Doerner, one of well-known drag-flickers, has scored 112 goals for Australia.
The Australians join 150 Indians and 15 Pakistani players who have already signed up for the HIL players’ auction.