Azlan Shah Hockey: James Coughlan Hoping to Avenge Cricket World Cup Loss vs Australia
A professional cricketer himself, James Coughlan, has played against the likes of cricket stars including Corey Anderson. But when a call for the national hockey camp came his way, he didn't think twice before opting for hockey.
- Tazeen Qureshy
- Updated: April 08, 2015 11:40 PM IST
The cricket Word Cup is over long back, but 24-year old James Coughlan, a hockey player from New Zealand can't simply get over the embarrassing seven-wicket defeat his country faced in the final against Australia. Currently, in Ipoh, Malaysia to play the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, he hopes to avenge the cricket loss through hockey, when his Blacksticks team faces Australia on April 9.
"Australia smashed us in the cricket World Cup final. It was quite embarrassing to watch it. We were no way close to them in that game. Australia played very well. But hopefully, we can reverse that in hockey," said James Coughlan.
"But, let us not forget, Australia is the champions in hockey too," he added.
A professional cricketer himself, James Coughlan, has played against the likes of cricket stars including Corey Anderson. But when a call for the national hockey camp came his way, he didn't think twice before opting for hockey.
"I have played U-19 regional level cricket. In a regional tournament I have also played against Corey Anderson and other top New Zealand players. When I finished school, I had to choose between hockey and cricket. Of course, there is more money in cricket than hockey. But when the call for national hockey camp came, I chose hockey over cricket. Today, I am pleased with my decision. There is no better feeling than to play for your country."
New Zealand, so far, have won all their three matches against Malaysia, India and Canada. They will next play Australia on April 9, followed by South Korea on April 11.