Australia will open their Hockey World Cup campaign against England after the international federation released the draw for the 2010 tournament.

The Kookaburras were drawn alongside India and Pakistan in Pool A, with Spain and South Africa rounding our the six-team group.

Fierce rivals India and Pakistan will face off on the opening day of the 12-nation tournament to be played in New Delhi from February 28 to March 13.

Olympic and World champions Germany will open their defence of the title on March 1 against South Korea.

Germany head Pool A, which includes the Netherlands, South Korea, New Zealand, Canada and Argentina.

Two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals on March 11 and the final is slated for March 13.

Pool A: Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina.

Pool B: Australia, Spain, England, Pakistan, India, South Africa.

AFP