India Men's Hockey team seal victory against Australia to keep the series alive

Akashdeep Singh scored a late winner to claim the first win.

India beat Australia by 4-3 in the third match of the five-match test series in Adelaide. Akashdeep was the saviour for India scoring in the last minute after being rested in the second match. Overall Akashdeep has scored four goals in the two matches he has played so far in the series. This was also India’s first win against Australia in the last 13 encounters and will be a huge boost going forward. Sreejesh was awarded the player of the match, saving multiple penalty corners denying Australia many chances in the open play as well.

Defensive first half

Both India and Australia started on a defensive note playing on the counterattack in the first half. Like the second match, India opened the account through Harmanpreet Singh scoring through a penalty corner. Harmanpreet is known for his power but this time made use of placement rather than power and with this goal, Harmanpreet moved to the third spot (125 goals) only behind VR Raghunath and Sandeep Singh.

India went into the second quarter with a one-goal lead and was still in defensive mode trying to evade through long balls.PR Sreejesh was at his best saving penalty scorner thrice but Australia opened their account through Jack Welsh. Sukhjeet was close to scoring the second goal after successfully applying the 3D skill but the ball hit the goal post with the goal level at 1-1 at the end of the first half.

Late winner

Australia started the third quarter aggressively taking the lead through a deflection from the penalty corner leading 2-1. Australia dealt with a huge blow with their number 13 Glover getting injured and couldn't take further part in the match. Apart from the goal scored there weren't many chances created by either side. 

India started aggressively in the last quarter when required the most and scored three goals with Abhishek opening the scoring. After the match got over the players from both sides were made to practise the penalty shoots outs benefitting them ahead of the World Cup.