Ric Charlesworth, coach of the Kookaburras (pictured), was reportedly furious when the draw gave his team three 8.30am games, which he said would require players to wake up at 5.00am in a major disruption to their daily tournament routine.

At the same time, main rivals Germany avoided the early timeslot altogether in the opposite group.

Hockey Australia put in an official protest and the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) announced today it has rescheduled the Australia versus Pakistan match on August 7 from 8.30am to 10.45am.

South Korea against the Netherlands has been switched to the earlier start.

"We always expected early games, but not three and I am pleased it has been rectified," said Charlesworth.

Hockey Australia chief executive Mark Anderson said it was a matter the organisation, its coaches and players felt "very strongly about".

"We are pleased that our position has been considered and that an appropriate adjustment has been made," he said.

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