New Zealand's depth of talent will be tested in a five-match women's international hockey series against India starting in Palmerston North tomorrow.
They are missing a number of frontline personnel currently playing in Europe, including Gemma Flynn, Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor, Krystal Forgesson and Katie Glynn.
That leaves the New Zealand side with an average age of 23 and average caps of 24, compared to India's 22 and 52.
Ranked No 9 in the world and preparing for the Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games, New Zealand will get a good gauge on their progress against world No 13, medallists at the past two Commonwealth Games.
Coach Mark Hager said the chance to play the Indian women at home was all part of his build up to several key events this year.
"We already have two international test series under our belt, and this makes it the trifecta. I'm looking for a win, given the current rankings of both teams, but we can never underestimate the Indian team.
"The Black Sticks team has a huge year of hockey in front of them, and every game which builds our international exposure helps towards this."
Hager's young squad include two players from the national development squad in Alana Millington and Amanda Green.
He was also forced to make two late changes after injury ruled out Ella Gunson and Bianca Russell, replacing them with the Canterbury pair of goalkeeper Amelia Gibson and midfielder Samantha Charlton.
The series features matches in Palmerston North tomorrow and Sunday, Napier next Wednesday followed by two tests in Wellington next weekend.
New Zealand squad: Kate Saunders, Piki Hamahona, Beth Jurgeleit, Clarissa Eshuis, Lucy Talbot, Stacey Brannigan, Sam Harrison, Cathryn Finlayson, Anna Thorpe, Laura Douglas, Kate Mahon, Natasha Fitzsimons, Charlotte Harrison, Jasmin McQuinn, Stacey Michelsen, Anita Punt, Alana Millington, Amanda Green, Amelia Gibson and Samantha Charlton.
India: Dipika Murty, Rajani Etimarpu, Subhadra Pradhan, Monika Badran, Chanchan Devi Thockhom, Ritu Rani, Joydeep Kaur Saggu, Saba Anjum, Binita Toppo, Mukta Prava Barla, Deepika Thakur, Jasjeet Kaur Handa, Kirandeep Kaur, Rani Rampal, Surinder Kaur (captain), Poonam Rani, Rosalind Ralte, Roselin Dung Dung.
