, goals from Jeremy Hayward (19', 47') and Jack Welch (54') helped Australia win.){kind=link}
In the five-match test series against Australia, the Indian men’s hockey team suffered its fourth straight loss, falling 1-3 in Perth on Friday. Following a goal by India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh (12′), goals from Jeremy Hayward (19′, 47′) and Jack Welch (54′) helped Australia win.
The Indian squad adopted a forceful offensive approach to begin the game. Andrew Charter, Australia’s custodian, blocked Mandeep Singh’s strong attempt to score in the first minute after he was left unmarked in the defensive area.
Despite this, the hosts played with great offensive intensity, gaining two straight penalty corners that they were unable to convert.India was able to earn several penalty corners on their own in spite of Australia’s pressure. India took the lead 1-0 when Harmanpreet Singh (12′) took advantage of one of these opportunities shortly before the first quarter came to a conclusion. Singh fired the ball into the net with strength and accuracy.
After Raj Kumar Pal’s reverse hit from the right struck the left upright, Abhishek made Durst stop a close-range shot. But the backline continued to give up too many penalty corners, even as the strikers increased their pressure. Apart from the retakes, Australia won up to ten PCs and scored all three of their goals with them.
India did create opportunities, but they suffered from not taking them. Both times, Mandeep and Abhishek had good looks near the conclusion of the third and fourth quarters, respectively, but their opportunities fell short.
But PR Sreejesh, the goalie, once again displayed his class by not giving up a single goal. He continued where he left off in the last game and is most likely going to be the only goalie on the team travelling to the Olympics in Paris.
Playing in his first international match after a lengthy break, Suraj Karkera did make a few excellent saves but was unable to hold on as Hayward and Welch both scored past him.
Although the team’s losses have been disheartening, it is encouraging to witness their growth with each game, and one hopes Harmanpreet & Co. will exhibit a similar level of resolve in their last series game on Saturday.
Australia came out swinging in the last quarter, breaking the circle quickly and winning a string of penalty corners. Jeremy Hayward (47′) showed off his skills once more by converting one to give his team the advantage. India tried their best, even going close to equalising moments after giving up, but they were unable to beat Australia’s custodian. As this was going on, Jack Welch (54′) scored from a penalty corner to give the hosts a bigger lead, 3-1 in Australia’s side. India made a late push, winning three straight penalty corners, but they were unable to convert any of them. As the referee blew the full-time whistle, Australia won 3-1