India suffer 3-5 defeat against Aus Development squad

Indian hockey team suffered their first defeat on their Australia-New Zealand tour when they went down 3-5 against Australian Development squad at the State Hockey Centre here, last night.

India, who trailed 1-3 at half time, scored through skipper Sandeep Singh (16th minute), V Raghunath (37th) and Tushar Khandker (64th) in the rain-marred match. The Aussies scored through Jason Wilson (10th), Nick Budgeon (22nd min), Joel Carrol (27th), Liam de Young (52nd) and Mark Patterson (66th).

India had registered comprehensive victories against Queensland-New South Wales combine in the first two matches. The third match of the tour had a delayed start due to rain and was played under constant drizzle.

Australia went up in the 10th minute when Jonathon Charlesworth intercepted a loose pass from Indian midfielder Prabodh Tirkey to set up striker Jason Wilson, who shot past goalkeeper Baljit Singh.

India levelled the score six minutes later when Ignace Tirkey stole the ball from the rival skipper Liam de Young and sent a relay pass to Tushar Khandker through armyman SV Sunil.

Khandker's shot at goal was stopped by a backstick and the resultant penalty stroke was converted by Sandeep Singh.