Hockey: Indian men’s team lose opening game of five-match series against Australia

The Indian men’s hockey team went down 1-5 against Australia in their first opening game of the five-match Test series on Saturday.

Tim Brand (3’), Tom Wickham (20’, 38’), Joel Rintala (37’), and Flynn Ogilvie (57’) were the goalscorers for the hosts, while Gurjant Singh (47’) netted a solitary goal for India.

In the opening quarter, India initiated with a strategy centred on ball possession and dictating the game's pace. However, despite their efforts, it was Australia that seized an early advantage in the match. Brand (3’) broke through India's defense on a swift counter-attack, finding the back of the net and putting Australia in the lead.

Responding to the setback, India intensified their offensive manoeuvres, mounting pressure on the hosts. Australia, in turn, ramped up their attacks, earning two consecutive penalty corners. Nevertheless, India's goalkeeper PR Sreejesh exhibited remarkable skill, thwarting Australia's attempts to widen their lead with two outstanding saves.

Meanwhile, the Indian team penetrated Australia’s defence and even won a penalty corner but couldn’t capitalise on it. The first quarter ended with Australia having a 1-0 lead.

India kicked off the second quarter with a determined push to equalize the score, adopting an aggressive approach. Despite earning an early penalty corner opportunity, they were unable...

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