Hockey: Youth and experience in lineup to face India

There has never been much between the New Zealand and Indian women's teams, and the four-test series which starts in Whangarei this afternoon promises to be just as close.

For the New Zealanders, the series is a vital step in their build-up to the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands in August.

Despite the return of Anna Lawrence (for her 150th international) and Mandy Smith, there will be just as much interest in some of the players with far less experience.

Defender Lizzy Igasan, who debuted against the South Koreans, is the only selection from the under-21 team, who finished a creditable fifth in last month's Junior World Cup in Argentina. She saw many of the Indian team in action there.

Wellington striker Niniwa Roberts is the only newcomer to the New Zealand side, but she will be expected to play a key role. Other relatively inexperienced forwards Penny Munns and Jaimee Provan will look to Smith for that all-important experience.

North Harbour defender Paula Enoka made the most of her chances when coming into the side at 27 years of age, and showed good form in her four internationals.

The two sides last played each other in 1999. New Zealand won the series 2-1 but lost the last test 5-0 - a memory Lawrence prefers not to discuss.

After today's game, the teams will meet again at North Harbour's Rosedale Park on Wednesday night before the final tests in Auckland and Hamilton on Saturday and Sunday.