New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The Indian women's hockey team will play two bilateral Test series against Japan and China to prepare for the World Cup.

The team has already reached Gifu to play four Tests against Japan at Gifu Green Stadium beginning Friday. The next three matches are on March 21, 22 and 24. The team will then depart for Shanghai to play five Tests against Asian champions China.

The team will return home April 4.

The women's World Cup will be held in Rosario, Argentina, in August-September.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: E.Rajini, Yogita Bali

Defenders: Subhadra Pradhan (captain), Jaspreet Kaur, Eti Srivastava, Joydeep Kaur

Preeti Kiro

Midfielders: Deepika Thakur, Mukta Barla, Kirandeep kaur, Thockchom Ranjita Devi

Rosalin Ralte, Ritu Rani, Sunita Lakra

Forwards: Saba Anjum, Chanchan Devi Rani, Monica Badran, Poonam Rani, Soundarya Yendala, Rosalin Dung Dung.

National coach: M.K. Kaushik