The Indian men’s hockey team succumbed to Australia despite somewhat improved performances as they went down 2-4 in the second game of the five-match series in Perth on April 7. Jugraj Singh and Harmanpreet Singh were the goal-scorers for India, while Leon Hayward scored a brace for Australia and Jacob Anderson and Nathan Ephraums managed to score the remaining two goals for the hosts.
India Lead at Half-time
After two consecutive losses, India now trail 0-2 in the series against Australia. The Indians were able to play on equal terms against their daunting opponents in the first and second quarters of the match. India led at the half time 2-1, drag flicks from Jugraj Singh and Harmanpreet Singh put them in a good position but some sloppy defending in the third quarter cost it dearly and the host scored three goals to register their second straight win. Australia came back in the lead with two goals in the third quarter and the score reached 2-2.
Australia beat India 4-2
India had two penalty corners in the final quarter by Jugraj Singh (9th) and skipper Harmanpreet Singh (30th) but Australia have managed to avert the danger. Australia won through goals from Jeremy Hayward (6th and 34th minutes), while Jacob Anderson (42nd) and Nathan Ephraums (45th) found the net from field efforts for Australia.
The Indians began on the front foot in the game with vice-captain Hardik Singh involved in the middle field. But Australia took the lead from its penalty corner in the sixth minute through Hayward. As a result, the match concluded with a 4-2 victory in favour of the hosts.
Even though the Indians tried hard but they succumbed to Australia and failed to create any real scoring opportunity. Historically, India don’t have a good record against Australia. Since 2013, the two teams have faced each other 44 times and Australia have won 29 of those. On the flip side, India bagged only eight wins and seven matches were drawn.
The Indian team will take on Australia for the third match at the same venue on April 8. The five-match series is the part of India’s Paris 2024 Olympics preparation. The series will conclude on April 13.
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