By Anand Philar

New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS) Australia and England begin favourites for the gold medal in the women's hockey competition of the 19th Commonwealth Games commencing at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here tomorrow.

The Aussies were winners in 1998 when hockey was introduced in the Games and 2006, but face a stiff challenge from England who finished third at the 2010 World Cup in Argentina.

The two are in different groups, but it is more than likely that they will face each other in the final, given their relative strengths and team composition.

The Aussies, coached by the legendary Frank Murray who will be retiring at the end the Games, were a distant fifth in Argentina following a couple of disappointing performances. In sharp contrast, England came up with a fine showing to pick up the bronze, though they looked capable of faring far better.

For the Delhi Games, the Aussies will be without a couple of their key players due to retirement and injuries, while England appear more determined than ever to take the big step forward and clinch the gold medal, something they had always promised, but never quite delivered.

Among the other medal contenders are hosts India, winners in 2002 when they beat Australia for the gold medal at Manchester, and silver medallists four years later, and New Zealand.

"It is going to be a tough tournament," said India team coach Sandeep Somesh. "Although we finished only ninth in the World Cup, I feel it was still a good performance overall, especially considering the circumstances under which we travelled to Argentina."

Somesh was making an oblique reference to the unsavoury incidents involving his predecessor M K Kaushik, just weeks before the trip to Argentina.

"We have been training hard and the World Cup in itself was a good preparation for us. Hopefully, we will deliver a good result at the Commonwealth Games," said Somesh.

A lot of interest centres around the Indian striker, 15-year old Rani Rampal who was adjudged "Young Player of the tournament" at the World Cup and obviously, India will be looking up to her for goals.

India open their campaign against lowly Scotland, followed by the crucial game against Australia before they take on Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa.

The Kiwis' best performance was a bronze in 1998, but since then never made it to the podium. However, they are dangerous floaters capable of tripping the front runners on their day.

Finally, the hot weather conditions could yet influence the performance of the visiting teams and could be to the home side's advantage.

The grouping:

Group A: Australia, South Africa, India, Trinidad and Tobago, and Scotland.

Group B: England, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia and Wales.