Despite a brave attempt, India lost 1-2 to Australia in the third men’s hockey Test match in Perth, giving Australia an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Despite the loss, India’s veteran custodian PR Sreejesh had exceptional talents; yet, his valiant efforts were insufficient to secure a victory for India.
The Indian team delivered a commendable defensive performance, frustrating the aggressive Australian side for much of the game. Jugraj Singh scored the only goal for the Men in Blue while Jeremy Hayward (44′, 49’) scored a brace for the Kookaburras.
The game began slowly, with both teams figuring out how to play. However, it was Australia, ranked one place higher than India at No. 4, who struck first. India rated fifth in the latest FIH hockey rankings, got out to a strong start and controlled possession, while Australia, ranked one spot higher, counterattacked. This plan paid off for the hosts, who earned the opening penalty corner of the game. Despite this opportunity, Indian custodian PR Sreejesh had amazing reflexes by blocking Australia’s attempt and keeping the score tied.
As the game progressed, Australia pushed forward, earning three consecutive penalty corners in the tenth minute. However, Sreejesh’s heroics between the posts denied the hosts once more and prevented them from grabbing the lead. On the other hand, the Indian men’s hockey team demonstrated their attacking prowess with quick passing and clever penetrations into the Australian circle, eventually gaining a penalty corner of their own. However, they were unable to capitalize on it and failed to turn it into a goal. The first quarter completed with both teams unable to break the tie, leaving the score at 0-0.
Australia launched continuous attempts from the start of the second quarter, but India’s tenacious defense, supported by custodian Sreejesh’s superb performance, blocked every attempt and kept the hosts from taking the lead. During the third quarter, Australia earned an early penalty corner but failed to convert it into a goal.
India, on the other hand, seized their opportunity to break the deadlock, with Jugraj scoring a set-piece goal for the visitors. However, India’s lead was short-lived as Australia was awarded a penalty stroke, which Jeremy Hayward scored to restore parity before the period concluded. Australia won back-to-back penalty corners early in the fourth and final quarter, and this time, Hayward scored with a strong shot to put the hosts ahead. With the score in their favor, Australia pressed India aggressively, denying them an equalizer in the final few minutes.
