Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: India draw 1-1 against England

Ipoh [Malaysia], March 4 (ANI): Indian men's hockey team settled for a 1-1 draw against England in the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here on Sunday.

It was India who scored the first goal as Shilanand Lakra got the breakthrough in the 14th minute.

For the most part, it looked like India will take the 1-0 lead into the full-time whistle, but Mark Gleghorne's penalty stroke in the 52nd minute leveled the game to 1-1.

It was England who had a total of 10 circle entries inside the first quarter but they could not be efficient as they took only four shots.

India, on the other hand, kept pushing for a counter-attack, which saw them having only four circle entries in their opposition's striking circle. They took only two shots in the first quarter, the second of which turned out to be the opening goal of the match which was scored by Lakra.

The second quarter was more balanced between the two teams as India started the quarter well, winning a total of eight penalty corners to put England on the back-foot.

However, India's efforts on goal were either saved or blocked by the English defence.

In the later phase of the quarter, it was the England who controlled proceedings as they were constantly threatening to find the equaliser, however, India's defence was resolute and kept all of England's four shots out to go into the half-time with a 1-0 lead.

England were awarded their first penalty corner of the match towards the start of the third quarter, however, Mark Gleghorne's delivery was deflected off his teammate Ian Sloan.

The fourth quarter was an important one for both the teams as India looked to snatch the victory with a second goal, while England were eager to find the equaliser.

The English attack struck to their task in the final quarter and earned themselves another penalty stroke in the 52nd minute.

It was Gleghorne who showed his calm and experience as he beat India's young goalkeeper Krishan Pathak to find the equaliser for his team with eight minutes to play.

India was defeated by Argentina in the opening match of the tournament and will next face Australia in their third match on March 6. (ANI)