Credit: X
On Saturday, April 13, Australia's men’s hockey team defeated India by a 3-2 scoreline at the Perth Hockey Stadium, registering a 5-0 clean sweep in the series. The Harmanpreet Singh-led team scored the first goal early in the series once again, but the Australians made a resounding comeback to quash their hopes of a consolation win.
In the 4th minute, Raj Kumar Pal won a penalty corner for India after the Australian captain, Aran Zalewski, tackled him. The Indian captain, Harmanpreet Singh stepped up at the top of the striking circle, putting the ball in the back of the net with a thunderous strike to give the early lead to the visitors.
Although the Indian defence kept the attackers of Australia at bay in the first quarter, they conceded a penalty corner in the early stages of the second quarter. Jeremy Hayward got the much-deserved leveller for Australia in the 20th minute, following which the attacking intent increased for the hosts.
The second half firmly belonged to Australia, who got themselves in the 2-1 lead through a Nathan Ephraums steal, which was eventually put into the back of the net by Ky Willott in the 38th minute. Just a minute later, Eddie Ockenden sent a long ball from the right flank deep into the Indian defence, which was picked up by Tim Brand before he lifted it over the goalie Krishan Pathak.
With a 3-1 lead, Australia were certain of a win until the Indian youngster Boby Singh Dhami, scored in the 53th minute on his international debut after Abhishek kept the ball well inside the circle. India pushed for an equaliser in the last few minutes, to get a positive result from the Test series, but the Australian defence held firm to deny them any such opportunity.