Indian Women's Hockey Team Loses To Australia

Indian women's hockey team lost the first test of the three-match series against Australia. The match was played at Mate Stadium in Adelaide. The tour began on a disheartening note as India lost 2-4 against the Australian team. This was the first match of the three-match series of the Australian tour. The rest of the matches will be played at the same venue. The Indian women's hockey team will play two matches against Australia 'A' in this tour and will serve as preparatory matches as they get ready for the Hanzgou Asian Games.

Australian debutant Aisling Utri and Maddy Fitzpatrick scored the goals in the 21st and 27th minute respectively. In quick succession, two more goals were scored by Alice Arnott in the 32nd minute, whereas Courtney Schonell scored in the 35th minute.

Sangita Kumari and Sharmila Devi scored for India in the 29th and 40th minute respectively. The match was interesting to watch, especially the back-to-back penalty corners. The Indian women's hockey team could not score during the penalty corner which was so disappointing for all the fans.

Though the first quarter seemed very dull, the second quarter changed the entire aura. Goalkeeper Savita's strong defence broke down in the 21st minute when Utri's perfect deflection gave the Australians their first point. After six minutes, Fitzpatrick converted a penalty corner and added one more goal point.

India managed to get their first goal when Sangita got the right spot to deflect Nikki Pradhan's hit from outside the circle. Savita was replaced with Bicchu Devi in the last quarter. India missed the golden chance to reduce the deficit in the form of a penalty corner but Australia goalkeeper Newman Zoe made wonderful saves.