LAHORE, Nov 26: A newly-laid pitch at National Hockey Stadium is causing problems for New Zealand team as preparations begin for the Champions Trophy which starts from Dec 4.

Coach Kevin Towns says he cannot understand why the turf has not been better worked in. He said it was very slippery and he could not understand why FIH has allowed it to be put down so close to the event. It is also not the first time that it had happened, he added.

New Zealand's first practice match is against Germany on Tuesday. -PPI