Five test matches have been scheduled against the Hockeyroos, Australia’s national team, with two in Perth (14 and 16 February) and three in Brisbane (21/23/24 February).
On top of this, the GB team will take on local opposition, including Australia’s Institute of Sport team, in four practice matches throughout the month.
The Leicester Hockey club player, who didn’t make the GB squad that went to Spain on 11-14 January, said: ‘I’m really pleased to be selected, and a bit relieved, and now I’m really looking forward to going.
‘There’s an Olympic training squad of 24 and only 18 were selected for Spain so I knew some people weren’t going to be named and it was just one of those things.
‘If I had to pick between the two tours I’d choose the longer one as it will be more beneficial so I’m happy to be going to Australia – we’ve got nine matches out there so it’s plenty of opportunity to get out there and play.
‘I went to Australia for the Commonwealth Games (in which England claimed a bronze medal) so it’s nice to go back.
Australia is ranked in the top four so they have a very strong team and have been up there for years.
‘They play quite fast as well so I really enjoy playing against them and they never sit back, they’re always giving it a go and pushing forward.’
Head coach Danny Kerry, quoted on the GB hockey website, said: ‘The month long trip to Australia represents a major opportunity to practice and play in a very hot environment.
‘It will be our last long haul trip prior to the Beijing Games in August ensuring we do not over fatigue ourselves with travel in the immediate months running up to the Games.
‘With five test matches against Australia we will have all areas of our play put under the microscope and it will further arm us with the information we need to develop in the remaining part of our preparations.’
