NZ hockey test series would provide good practice: Hawgood

"The upcoming test series will be a good test for us. We will get a good idea of where we stand. The Kiwis have a good side. We have selected a good side and hopefully we will perform well," chief coach Neil Hawgood who is on his second assignment with the team said.

The chief coach is not expecting much from the team and would look to focus on basics such as passing the ball and penetration into opponent's attacking third.

"Other things such as set pieces and penalty corners, we will strategise and work on in the two months we have before the FIH World League Round 2 Tournament in February next year," he said.

Hawgood is upbeat about team's fitness but believes there is a long way to go in order to become a formidable side.

"The girls are fitter than before. Ben Dascombe (team's exercise physiologist) is doing a great job with the team. But, we have a long way to go," he said.

Hawgood acknowledged that the team did not perform up to the expectations in his first assignment as the chief coach and finished seventh in the Eight-Nation Champions Challenge 1 in Dublin.

"We did not finish where we should have. But it was for the first time the team was playing under new rules. Probably the girls took some time to adjust."

India will play six Tests against New Zealand from December 6 to 16. The 18-member squad will be captained by midfielder Ritu Rani while forward Soundarya Yendala will be the vice-captain.