Expectations were of a combative, rough-and-tumble encounter, but India would be sorely disappointed that despite taking the lead, rhythm, a critical aspect of their play was missing
Indian hockey players
Indian players celebrate a goal against Australia yesterday. Pic/PTI
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Expectations were of a combative, rough-and-tumble encounter, but India would be sorely disappointed that despite taking the lead, rhythm, a critical aspect of their play was missing. Australia seized crucial opportunities to beat back the Indian challenge and win this league encounter 3-1 to put them in the driver’s seat for a place in the Azlan final.
Australia now has seven points from three matches while India is on four after three games. The Initial burst went to Australia who created an early penalty corner.
Disaster struck early in the 2nd quarter when Sreejesh was injured as he came off his line to stop Eddie Ockenden from making a lunging connection. The opening goal came in the 26th minute. Harmanpreet Singh’s hit went off Aussie defender Andrew Philpott stick and into goal. Four minutes later came the equaliser when Akash Chikte stopped a shot but the rebound rolled away for Eddie Ockenden to tap it in.
Four minutes into the 3rd quarter, Australia had their 5th penalty corner. Matthew Swann retrieved the ball to send it to Tom Craig who smartly squeezed it between Chikte’s pads. At 2-1, India needed to find some answers. In the 51st minute, Australia scored a spectacular goal when Tom Wickham went past five Indian defenders and with the goal on his right, saw his reverse hit go past Chikte to make it 3-1.
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