Indian Hockey Team lose 2-4 in the second test against Australia

By
Teja Devathoti
-
13
Paris Olympics

The second test of the hockey series between India and Australia, held in Perth, ended in a 4-2 defeat for the Indian team. Despite a much-improved performance compared to their previous game, the Indian hockey team couldn’t secure a win.

Indian Hockey Team took the lead in the first half

The match started with both teams cautiously gauging each other’s strategies. However, Australia drew first blood five minutes into the game when Jeremy Hayward converted the first penalty corner of the match. This early lead by Australia was followed by an aggressive offensive, which was successfully defended by the Indian team.

India managed to draw level from a penalty corner, thanks to a powerful shot by Jugraj Singh. The second quarter saw both teams exhibiting fine attacking hockey, with each defence enduring phases of opposition onslaught. Just before the half-time hooter, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner to score his 180th international goal, giving India a 2-1 lead.

However, the lead was short-lived as Hayward converted his second penalty corner four minutes into the restart. The third quarter belonged to the Aussies, who added two more goals to the scoreline through Jacob Anderson and Nathan Ephraums.

With Australia leading 4-2, India threw caution to the wind in the final quarter in an attempt to salvage the match. Despite their efforts, the disciplined Australian team managed the match well, allowing India only one penalty corner in the entire fourth quarter. Unfortunately, India couldn’t convert this opportunity, resulting in their second defeat of the tour.

This defeat leaves India trailing 0-2 in the five-match series. The Indian team will face Australia for the third match at the same venue on Wednesday. Despite the loss, the Indian team’s improved performance in the second match compared to their 5-1 defeat in the opener provides a glimmer of hope for the upcoming matches.

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