India go down 1-2 to Australia in third hockey Test match, trail series 0-3

Indian men’s hockey team went down 1-2 against Australia on Wednesday in a neck-and-neck contest in the third of five-match Test series in Perth. Jugraj Singh (41’) was the lone goalscorer for India, while Jeremy Hayward (44’, 49’) netted two goals for the hosts.

India have now lost all three matches played in the series so far, going down 1-5 and 2-4 in the previous two clashes. India will next have a chance to get on the board on Friday.

India asserted their early dominance in the game through possession, whereas Australia adopted a counter-attacking approach. The strategy paid off for the hosts as they earned the first penalty corner. Despite this opportunity, India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh exhibited exceptional reflexes, thwarting Australia’s attempt and keeping things goalless.

As the match progressed, Australia maintained pressure by earning three consecutive penalty corners in the 10th minute, but Sreejesh’s exceptional goalkeeping denied them each time. On the other hand, India displayed their attacking skills with quick passes towards the Australian goal, earning a penalty corner. Despite the chance, they couldn’t convert it into a goal, leading to a goalless first quarter.

Australia started the second quarter strongly, but India’s solid defence thwarted their attempts. India also pushed forward, creating chances in the Australian circle but couldn’t find the net. The second quarter, too, ended 0-0.

In the third quarter, Australia missed a penalty corner opportunity, while India took the lead with Jugraj Singh’s powerful shot. However, Australia equalised with a penalty stroke converted by Jeremy Hayward. The quarter ended 1-1.

Australia took the lead in the fourth quarter through Hayward’s goal from a penalty corner. They maintained the pressure on India, preventing them from grabbing an equaliser, and ultimately won 2-1.

Where to watch India vs Australia hockey series?

All matches of the India tour of Australia are being broadcast on Sports18- 3 and Sports18- 1 HD. The matches are also live streamed on Jio Cinema.