The Indian men’s hockey team failed to avoid a 0-5 series whitewash as they trailed 2-3 in the fifth Test against Australia and completed a nightmare tour in Perth on Saturday. The Indians entered the final game of the series after losing the first four games, 1-5, 2-4, 1-2 and 1-3. Rubber is of great importance in terms of preparations ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh (No. 4) and Bobby Singh Dhami (No. 53) were the goal scorers for India, while Australia were led by Jeremy Hayward (No. 53) 20th), Ky Willot (38th) and Tim Brand (39th) scored.
The Indians started the game with an offensive mindset. During Australia’s half, Jugraj Singh passed the ball to Jarmanpreet Singh but failed to connect with the forward line.
India took the lead in the fourth minute through a corner kick from Harmanpreet, who scored his third goal of the series.
Australia equalized in the 20th minute through Hayward, who scored his seventh goal of the series from a set piece.
India reserve goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a fine save to deny Nathan Ephraums.
Australia were awarded a penalty opportunity seconds after half-time, but Suraj Karkera made a superb save with his right leg to deny Hayward, allowing India to keep chasing.
India started brightly after changing sides and were awarded a penalty kick in the 37th minute, but Harmanpreet’s shot went wide of the target.
A minute later, the Kookaburras took the lead again through Willot, who deflected an inch-perfect pass from Nathan Ephraums past India keeper Krishan Bahadur. Krishan Bahadur Pathak took the lead.
Australia rubbed salt into India’s wounds by extending their lead through an unmarked Brand’s shot, assisted by Eddie Ockenden.
India got a chance in the 42nd minute and got another penalty kick, but Amit Rohidas’ shot went wide.
The home team also got two corner kicks but India defended well.
India were serious about putting pressure on Australia’s defense in the final quarter.
Their efforts bore fruit as Dammy scored his first international goal with a reverse strike past Andrew Charter with seven minutes left. But that’s all India could do and despite the visitors’ pressing, the Australian defense made no further mistakes.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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