India go down 1-3 against Aussies in Azlan Shah Cup

Ipoh [Malaysia], May 2 (ANI): The Indian men's hockey team on Tuesday failed to replicate the performance they showcased against New Zealand and slumped to a 1-3 defeat against defending champions Australia in their third round-robin league encounter of the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here in Ipoh. At the end of the first quarter, both India and Australia are locked at 0-0. Although Rupinder Pal Singh and Akashdeep Singh came close from a penalty corner, both of them failed to convert it into the goal. PR Sreejesh was also tested by Australia's Trent Mitton before the Indian skipper was hobbled off with an injury. Akash Chikte came in as his substitute. It was India who took the lead first when Harmanpreet Singh scored a rare field goal in the 26th minute of the game. However, Australia soon made amends as Eddie Ockenden struck a 30-minute equaliser before Tom Craig put his side ahead just four minutes later. At the end of the third quarter, Australia led India 2-1. In the 51st minute, Australia saw their lead extend by 3-1 after a lovely dribbling by Tom Wickham went past multiple Indian shirts and got a reverse hit on to beat Akash Chikte. Australia had yesterday displayed an exhibition of their powerful game by outplaying hosts Malaysia 6-1. India were held to a 2-2 draw by Great Britain in their opening encounter. (ANI)